Injuries have hit Ireland most decisively in the front row with their first and second choice loose-head props – Andrew Porter and Paddy McCarthy – both out of action.
While a timetable for their returns has yet to be established, it is believed that both will miss the start of the Six Nations and will likely be out longer too.
As such, Jack Boyle’s showing for Leinster against Bayonne in the Champions Cup was encouraging. The 23-year-old made his Ireland debut against Wales in the Six Nations last year and started both summer Tests against Georgia and Portugal.
That he was leapfrogged by McCarthy come November will have been a frustration, but injuries look set to ensure he has an extended run in the weeks ahead. Jeremy Loughman and Michael Milne would seem to be vying for the role of back-up in what will be a serious test of Ireland’s depth at the position.
With Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher both fit and firing, there are no worries at hooker but the tight-head stocks have also been hit.
Tadhg Furlong picked up a calf injury against Bayonne, while Finlay Bealham missed both of Connacht’s European games.
Thomas Clarkson has been a squad regular in recent years but, beyond that, the 27-year-old Jack Aungier has just one Test cap.
In the second row, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan are all certainties to be involved, while Cormac Izuchukwu is back fit at Ulster after missing November and Munster’s Edwin Edogbo would offer a different physical presence.
