By Press Association Reporter
Published: 17:35 GMT, 6 March 2019 | Updated: 17:38 GMT, 6 March 2019
View
comments
Ireland insist hooker Sean Cronin has lost no World Cup ground despite being dropped from the squad for Sunday's Guinness Six Nations clash with France in Dublin.
Cronin made his full Six Nations debut aged 32 and on his 68th cap when Ireland laboured past Italy 26-16 in Rome on Sunday, February 24.
And boss Joe Schmidt's response has been to cull the vastly-experienced Leinster star from his 37-man squad to prepare to host Les Bleus.
Sean Cronin has been dropped for Sunday's Guinness Six Nations clash with France in Dublin
Forwards coach Simon Easterby maintained drafting in Ulster's Rob Herring alongside captain Rory Best and Niall Scannell centres on strengthening resources.
'I guess we're looking continually to build some depth in positions,' said Easterby.
'Sean has been involved in the first three games, he has started in Italy, and in a specialist position like hooker; it's probably only nine and maybe 10 as well where you don't get guys playing other positions.
'We're just looking to continually build some depth and find out a bit more about players that we need to work with towards what's coming up in the next couple of weeks and the end of the year.'
Cronin struggled in Ireland's patchy Rome
