Has Schmidt got depth of panel to cope with injury and suspension crisis in Japan?
FULL-BACK Rob Kearney (Age 30 Caps 68+4), Tiernan O’Halloran (25, 2+1) Kearney showed in Chicago that he still hasn’t lost the nous that made him first-choice many moons ago. O’Halloran illustrated his potential against Canada but needs more exposure to bridge the gap. Simon Zebo remains a favoured alternative with Jared Payne route being ignored. WING Andrew Trimble (32, 57+12), Keith Earls (29, 46+8), Simon Zebo (26, 24+4), Craig Gilroy (25, 8+1), Niyi Adeolokun (26, 0+1) Earls impressed against the Aussies, but Trimble and Zebo also excelled in the series where the latter showed versatility. Age is a long-term concern with Trimble, but limited game time for Gilroy and Adeolokun hints preference remains for workhorses, not out-and-out finishers, which is a pity in terms of style. CENTRE Jared Payne (31, 19), Robbie Henshaw (23, 22+2), Luke Marshall (25, 9), Garry Ringrose (21, 2+1) Payne/Henshaw is still Schmidt’s preferred axis on the basis it provides greater defensive
stability. However, Payne’s February unavailability opens door to the Ringrose/Henshaw combination with a potentially better front-foot threat. Marshall has fallen down the pecking order with his Canada show.
OUT-HALF Johnny Sexton (31, 55+8), Paddy Jackson (24, 10+9), Joey Carbery (21, 0+3) This was the rock on which Ireland perished at the World Cup, Madigan too inexperienced a starter to fill-in for Sexton. It has taken further Sexton woe to force Schmidt’s hand but Jackson has come on after finally getting a proper look-in. Young Carbery oozes potential but he’s only a rookie.
SCRUM-HALF Conor Murray (27, 48+5), Kieran Marmion (24, 1+8), Luke McGrath (23, 0+1) Panic alarm position. World-class Murray is streets ahead but is Schmidt prepared to give Marmion (or lesser-experienced McGrath) better exposure at No9 than his first start against Canada? Marmion was gutsy as emergency sub wing last week but no one’s any wiser if can he hack it as a starting 9. LOOSEHEAD Jack McGrath (27, 24+12), Cian Healy (29, 50+12), Dave Kilcoyne (27, 4+13)
No fears here at present as all three are bang in form and injuryfree. Kilcoyne’s carry in Canada cameo was exceptional but damage McGrath and Healy did in bigger games is benchmark for other interchangeable positions in Test team. The pair drive exemplary high standards every week.
HOOKER Rory Best (34, 79+21), Seán Cronin (30, 9+47), James Tracy (25, 0+1) Centurion Best was as durable as ever in November. Cronin didn’t convince against Canada while Tracy enjoyed his cameo. Tom McCartney’s late 2017 eligibility must up the ante as Best, whose age shouldn’t be a World Cup issue, is too many classes above current alternatives. TIGHTHEAD Tadhg Furlong (24, 4+7), Finlay Bealham (25, 1+5), John Ryan (28, 0+1) Furlong’s accelerated progress is vital after age caught up on Mike
Ross and Nathan White’s retirement. No one watching in Paris last February would have predicted his growth. However, he’s still inexperienced as are the alternatives who also need time. SECOND ROW Devin Toner (30, 35+7), Donnacha Ryan (32, 22+21), Iain Henderson (24, 12+16), Ultan Dillane (23, 1+7), Billy Holland (31, 1) Another sector light on depth. Toner’s game is reaching new heights but injury-prone Iain Henderson needs greater robustness to become his long-term partner ahead of Ryan. Another concern is reticence to trust Dillane, man of the match against Canada, as a starter.
BACK ROW Jamie Heaslip (32, 87+4), Seán O’Brien (29, 38+6), Peter O’Mahony (27, 32+5), CJ Stander (26, 10), Jordi Murphy (25, 10+7), Josh van der Flier (23, 3+2), Jack O’Donoghue (22, 1), Dan Leavy (22, 0+1)
Trove of flank riches compared to 14 months ago. Stander provides rocklike presence, Murphy showed class before All Blacks injury while Van der Flier is a smiling assassin.
A worry is Heaslip, who failed to go the distance last week, as well as O’Brien’s injury profile.