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on board but already, as expected, looks the part. The issue for the head coach was always set to arise when Garry Ringrose, Henshaw and Aki were fit and firing which would make for an obvious three into two conundrum.
The Connacht Kiwi brings a different skill set to Ringrose and Henshaw.
He is not an Owen Farrell or anything close in terms of game management but we will leave the tactical nuances of Farrell and George Ford until we get to Twickenham on the final day.
I would imagine the Ireland head coach is testing every centre combination behind closed doors at Carton House. The Six Nations break has been kind in that respect.
If Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey is in the mix, you would expect one from the big centre from Fivemiletown, Chris Farrell (who impressed greatly on limited opportunity back in November), Ringrose (although some way from match fitness for obvious reasons) or Rory Scannell.
What of Ian Keatley at out half with Johnny Sexton inside centre (a la Farrell) in a mid match crisis? Scannell is the most comfortable alternative when wearing 12 with that well educated left peg a decided asset alongside a right footed out half.
While the normal emphasis would be on keeping change to a minimum, ie Ringrose for Henshaw leaving Aki on the inside channel that will of course hinge on the Ringrose state of being to face the Welsh.
Failing that it is not inconceivable that Schmidt could opt for a new centre combination entirely. A case could be made for Scannell and Farrell as an all Munster pairing.
Much will depend on how they go in training because if we get it wrong then the absence of Henshaw could see that Grand Slam dream in tatters in seven days time.
With Ringrose fit I would keep change to a minimum and concentrate on what Aki brings to the table rather than what he doesn’t but with Farrell on the bench as cover just in case. Either way the loss of Henshaw is already incalculable.