HOW JOE SHOULD GO IN CHICAGO
15. Jordan Larmour
With Rob Kearney 33 next March, Ireland need established back-up at 15 and this is the position where the Leinster wunderkind can do most damage.
14. Darren Sweetnam
Keith Earls looks nailed on for one of the wing slots but his fellow Munster man deserves a crack after impressively playing his way into the mix this season.
13. Will Addison
Brought over from Sale for just this purpose, the versatile Addison has shone for Ulster and has definite World Cup squad potential — 13 is his best position.
12. Bundee Aki
Brings experience and physical presence to the party and, although Robbie Henshaw is ahead at 12, the Connacht man will relish this opportunity.
11. Jacob Stockdale
Grand Slam hero has had a relatively slow start to the season with Ulster and could use this game to get up to speed for November’s bigger assignments.
10. Joey Carbery
A strong case for starting Ross Byrne but, while Carbery has featured heavily since his successful switch to Munster, he needs international starts to nail down the Johnny Sexton understudy role.
9. John Cooney
The big one. With Kieran
Marmion left at home, Cooney and Luke McGrath may be scrapping for bench spots for the bigger November Tests but Cooney has earned the right to show why he is the best in replicating the influence of the injured Conor Murray.
1. Jack McGrath
The Lions experience will be useful as McGrath seeks to get his eye in to be Cian Healy’s back-up for the following two weeks. Dave Kilcoyne can get a decent run off the bench.
2. Niall Scannell
With Rory Best’s age and durability causing concern, Munster’s doughty hooker can establish himself as closest in starting worth. Evidence suggests the inform Sean Cronin is primarily seen as an impact player off the bench at this level.
3. Andrew Porter
There seems little point in starting Tadhg Furlong given his vital role in the later, marquee Tests and Porter is still ahead of the revitalised Finlay Bealham.
4. Tadhg Beirne
After a great start to his Munster career, Beirne is making a big push for the frontline match-day 23. Will need a big lineout display (Devin Toner can provide bench security) to go with his dynamic loose play and remarkable turnover-winning capacity.
5. Quinn Roux
Renowned scrummager is in the form of his career with Connacht but like Beirne, Roux must show his worth at lineout time.
6. Rhys Ruddock (capt)
Made for this assignment, both as stand-in captain and high quality, experienced blindside flanker.
7. Josh Van der Flier
Getting back to his best after injury, Van der Flier could still come out on top in the intense battle for the Ireland No7 jersey at the World Cup next year.
8. Jack Conan
A real threat to CJ Stander’s status as firstchoice No8, Conan is the better footballer and will be desperate to up the stakes with his ball-carrying.
Replacements
16 Sean Cronin, 17 Dave Kilcoyne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Devin Toner, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Andrew Conway.