As the dust begins to settle on another World Cup Quarter Final exit for Ireland, people will now be looking at the new regime under new head coach Andy Farrell who will be assisted by Mike Catt, Simon Easterby and Richie Murphy.
Many Irish players who didn’t get a look in under Joe Schmidt will feel that the slate is wiped clean under new coach Andy Farrell. People may also think that the regime might not change too much under Farrell who has been Ireland’s forwards coach since 2016.
But if things are to change within Irish rugby it is important that all available players are looked at over the next few months to try and rebuild the shattered confidence after the heavy loss to New Zealand.
It will take all 31 players time to get over the manner of the defeat but for some of the 31 while this weekend in Round 4 of the Pro 14 will be too soon you can be sure that the interprovincial derbies in Round 6 will see all 31 back in action with some guys returning in round 5 depending on how many minutes were played by each individual in Japan.
Munster will benefit straight away as will Connacht with men like Chris Farrell, John Ryan and Jack Carty all sure to be back in contention ahead of Round 5.
As I mentioned it will take time for all the players to recover from this loss both mentally and physically but with the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup on the horizon they won’t have much time to dwell on what might have been…..
Looking to the 2020 Six Nations in February 2020, Ireland are certain to have fresh blood in the first 23 to play Scotland , I look at the possible 23 that Andy Farrell may look to include…
15 Andrew Conway – Munster
14 Jacob Stockdale – Ulster
13 Gary Ringrose – Leinster
12 Chris Farrell – Munster
11 Matt Healy – Connacht
10 Joey Carbery – Munster
9 Conor Murray – Munster
8 Max Deegan – Leinster
7 Josh Van Der Flier – Leinster
6 Tadgh Beirne – Munster
5 James Ryan – Leinster, Captain
4 Iain Henderson – Ulster
3 Tadgh Furlong – Leinster
2 Niall Scannell – Munster
1 Eric O Sullivan – Ulster
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16 Ronan Kelliher – Leinster
17 Dave Kilcoyne – Munster
18 Andrew Porter – Leinster
19 Ultan Dillane – Connacht
20 CJ Stander – Munster
21 Luke Mc Grath – Leinster
22 Ross Byrne – Leinster
23 Jordan Larmour – Leinster
Here is one selection I would go by, I know I have left out certain players but there would be room for those players in the wider squad. Just trying to show an alternative XV to what played last Saturday.