Bernard Jackman: Gavin Coombes deserves his chance to impress v Italy

Bernard Jackman believes Munster's Gavin Coombes is one of the fringe players who deserves a shot in the Ireland team in this Saturday's opening Bank of Ireland Nations Series game against Italy at the Aviva Stadium.

The number 8 has been a regular presence in Ireland squads in recent years, but after winning his first two caps in July 2021, he's had to wait two years to add to that haul.

The 25-year-old did feature for a non-Test Ireland XV in their tour games last summer against the Maori All Blacks in New Zealand, while he also represented Ireland A against an All Blacks XV in November, a game in which he endured a difficult night in a 47-19 defeat.

Having been released from the Ireland squad early last November, Coombes earned rave reviews for his form through December and January, which earned him an Ireland recall for the Six Nations.

And after scoring 14 tries in 21 games for URC champions Munster last season, Jackman says he's one of a number of fringe players who deserves a chance to impress against Italy on Saturday.

"I thought Gavin Coombes' end of season was phenomenal," Jackman told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

"The way he reacted to the setback [when] the team struggled that night in November against New Zealand A, but his work rate, his impact on both sides of the ball was phenomenal."

While Coombes (above) has climbed ahead of Nick Timoney in the Irish back row depth chart, the consistent selections of Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris and Jack Conan, as well as they versatility of several Irish second rows leaves the Corkman needing to make a big impression if he's to make the final 33-man squad.

"Is it going to be too late to make a push? That Irish back row has been pretty settled and you have Tadhg