4 PLAYERS UNLUCKY TO LOSE OUT

Surely John Hodnett has earned a crack? Try-scoring heroics in the URC final aside, the Cork flanker has been sensational for Munster since his major Achilles injury and brings a livewire threat in the loose. Hodnett has leapfrogged Alex Kendellen and Jack O’Donoghue to become a go-to Munster starter and he deserves more.

There is no out-and-out openside in reserve for Josh van der Flier quite like Hodnett right now. Farrell has instead opted for Ulster’s in-form Nick Timoney, who has the advantage of being able to play across the backrow.

But there was a powerful case for Hodnett and Brian O’Driscoll seems to think so, too. In his words, the 25year-old has every right to feel ‘hard done by’.

Cian Prendergast

Connacht’s Prendergast ticks all the boxes. Age? He is just 23. Versatility? He can cover second-row, blindside flank and No8. Leadership? He captained Emerging Ireland last season.

Combine these attributes with the faith shown by Farrell ahead of the World Cup and it is a real surprise that Prendergast (right) has missed out – not even making it as an extended training squad member like Tom Ahern.

We know Andy Farrell likes him, and Prendergast has become a key component of Connacht’s pack and Six Nations selection seemed like a natural next step.

Not this time, though, as Jack Conan’s ongoing excellence gets the nod.

Caolin Blade

Based on form alone, John Cooney – once again shining for Ulster – would have many more caps than his paltry tally of 11. While Cooney has been the most high-profile omission at No9 over the past number of seasons, Connacht’s Caolin Blade has been consistently excellent yet somewhat under the radar. The 29year-old is the heartbeat of Connacht’s attack, bringing real tempo to the Westerners’ play.

Farrell has rewarded his form with call-ups to wider training squads but it has never really developed beyond that for Blade.

His two caps have come against the USA and Italy in summer Tests – both from the bench.

It could be argued Blade has shown a lot more than Conor Murray and can feel aggrieved not to have made it as a third option behind Jamison Gibson-Park and Craig Casey.

Shane Daly

Munster’s Daly may not be a spectacular back three operator, but the Corkman is hugely valued down south for being highly efficient at everything he does.

The 27-year-old boasts versatility also, with the ability to play across the threequarter line – something which has been a real asset for Munster in recent seasons.

Farrell is aware of what he can bring, first giving him minutes during the Autumn Nations Cup during the lockdown in late 2020. Daly (above) has grown as a player since then, becoming a fixture at Munster.

With Jimmy O’Brien, there is value in having a player like Daly capable of stepping in at short notice in a variety of positions.

If injury strikes, he may feature yet.