15 Hugo Keenan
Age: 25. Height: 6'1" . Weight: 92kgs (14st 5lb) Caps: 14. Points: 25
Consistently excellent since making his debut and this match represents another opportunity to showcase his rich skill-set and clever running lines.
14 Andrew Conway
Age: 30. Height: 5'11". Weight: 90kgs (14st 2lb). Caps: 26. Points: 65.
Might have downplayed the quality of his hat-trick against Japan but he retains the happy knack of scoring. He’s worked hard on all the elements of his game to augment footwork and speed.
13 Garry Ringrose
Age: 26. Height: 6'2". Weight: 96kgs (15st 1lb). Caps: 35. Points: 52
He was very sharp in everything he did last weekend, epitomised in a handful of cameos that included the try he scored, the one he made for Jamison Gibson-Park and a thumping midfield tackle.
12 Bundee Aki
Age: 31. Height: 5'10". Weight: 102kgs (16st). Caps: 32. Points: 30
He invariably provides his team with positive gain-lines while sometimes his handling skills and feet in contact are a little under appreciated. He, like the rest of the three quarters, needs to stay connected in defence.
11 James Lowe
Age: 29. Height: 6'2". Weight: 105kgs (16st 6lb) Caps: 7. Points: 10
Arguably Ireland’s best player in the first half against Japan, the effectiveness of his work off the wing and ability to break the line was invaluable. Like his team-mates he will have to tune in, in defence.
10 Johnny Sexton (capt)
Age: 36. Height: 6'2". Weight: 90kg (14st 2lb). Caps: 100. Points: 941
Last weekend’s try and reaction of his fellow players underlined how he is regarded within the group and it was a nice way to celebrate the landmark. A key player, leader, tactician if Ireland are to fire.
9 Jamison Gibson-Park
Age: 29. Height: 5'9". Weight: 80kgs (12st 7lb). Caps: 11. Points: 5
Superb performance against Japan, capped by a try, he kept his team playing at a high tempo and his intelligent support lines and speed to the breakdown are important assets.
1 Andrew Porter
Age: 25. Height: 6'. Weight: 114kgs (17st 11lb) Caps: 38. Points: 5
Demonstrated a remarkable capacity to switch between both sides of the frontrow during his career but there is no doubt that moving back to loosehead has freed him up to contribute more in general play.
2 Ronan Kelleher
Age: 23. Height: 6'. Weight: 105kgs (16st 6lb) Caps: 14. Points: 25
He’s taken to international rugby with aplomb, a dynamic hard-working presence in the loose and an excellent carrier who uses footwork as well as his strength. He faces an honours level exam in the set piece.
3 Tadhg Furlong
Age: 28. Height: 6'. Weight: 125kgs (19st 8lb). Caps: 50. Points: 25
A centre trapped in the body of a prop, he’s got an exceptional all-round game, as comfortable in the tight as throwing no-look passes in midfield or slaloming away from a few backs. World Class.
4 Iain Henderson
Age: 29. Height: 6'6". Weight: 116kgs (18st 3lb) Caps: 64. Points: 25
Returning to the starting team after his second half cameo against Japan, he brings a game intelligence and an unrelenting drive to the team, along with lineout calling.
5 James Ryan
Age: 25. Height: 6'7". Weight: 115kgs (18st 1lb) Caps: 38. Points: 15
The way in which he played last week, especially using footwork going into contact, was more reminiscent of his early days where his athleticism and mobility were a feature. Ireland will need him to be the leader that he has been in the past.
6 Caelan Doris
Age: 23. Height: 6'4". Weight: 107kgs (16st 9lb) Caps: 10. Points: 0
Although he’s playing in a more unfamiliar role, his work-rate at the breakdown in clearing out and also slowing down the ball was conspicuous the last day. One suspects he’d like a little more ball in hand opportunity.
7 Josh van der Flier
Age: 28. Height: 6'2". Weight: 103kgs (16st 3lb) Caps: 33. Points: 15
Asked to develop certain aspects of his game the openside flanker has responded accordingly particularly in carrying the ball with no diminution if his effectiveness elsewhere.
8 Jack Conan
Age: 29. Height: 6'4". Weight: 114kgs (17st 11lb) Caps: 21. Points: 35
The confidence that he has gleaned from his time with the Lions is reflected in the maturity of his performances and the ease with which that responsibility sits on his broad shoulders.
