Ireland's center, Stuart McCloskey, holds a strong belief that he has a chance of securing a spot for World Cup.
Head coach Andy Farrell, who is currently working with a squad of 41 players will cut that down to 33 by the end of the month.
McCloskey faces stiff competition from players such as Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki for the coveted 12 shirt, and he is well aware of the efforts required to earn a place in the squad headed to France.
Reflecting on the situation, McCloskey says he and his fellow players are curious about Farrell's selections, which is expected to be announced by August 28. This will come after Ireland finish their games in the Bank of Nations Series.
"I would say guys would lie to you and tell you no, but I’m sure they do and that they’ve looked at squads," said McCloskey,
Stuart McCloskey of Ulster in action during the United Rugby Championship match between Ulster and Ospreys at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. (Photo By John Dickson/Sportsfile via Getty Images)The 30-year-old was omitted from Andy Farrell's squad for the New Zealand tour. He himself has looked at previous squads and contemplated of who is part of Ireland squads
"I know I've looked at squads in the past and at who normally goes and what the make-up of the squad will be. "I’m sure you guys will name probable squads and you probably won’t be too far off either, the way this team has been going," he added.
McCloskey, who started in the recent 33-17 victory over Italy, believes he has made a strong case for himself ahead of Farrell's final decisions. He is optimistic about the prospect of securing a spot in the World Cup squad, considering that four centers were part of the previous World Cup squad, and he aspires to be one of them this time around.
"I haven’t really thought about it too much. Listen, four centres went to the last World Cup - hopefully there’s four that go to this World Cup and I’m one of them. “I started seven of the last nine or 10 games at 12 and we've won them all, so hopefully that puts me in fairly good stead that I can be trusted.
Ireland's next game will be against England on August 19.
