Bernard Jackman backs Connacht's Ben Murphy for Ireland call

RTÉ rugby analyst Bernard Jackman is not expecting too many big surprises when Simon Easterby names his Six Nations squad today, but feels that Connacht's Ben Murphy is in line for a call-up.

Easterby will name his first full Irish squad today amidst Andy Farrell's Irish sabbatical for his role with the Lions.

Ireland open their Six Nations campaign at home to England on 1 February and while Easterby’s squad selection looks to be a case of 'steady as she goes’, Jackman feels that there’s still room for a couple of new faces.

Speaking on Morning Ireland, he said: "Ben Murphy has been really catching the eye down in Connacht since his move over the summer from Leinster. There was a lot of people thought he may have got in in November as one of those training players, but Farrell decided against it.

"Since then, his form has continued to impress and he was excellent at the weekend against Lyon scoring a hat-trick. So, he's somebody who's putting his hand up.

"Nathan Doak has got a lot of experience for such a young player. He had an excellent game against Ulster over Christmas, so maybe it's his time.

"But then there's the more experienced guys, the likes of Caolin Blade and John Cooney who have been in Irish squads before.

"Cooney hasn't been there for a long time, despite having some very strong form for Ulster. So maybe his face doesn't fit. But Caolin Blade has never let Ireland down. Unfortunately for him, he seems to be a little bit behind Murphy now.

"If Easterby wants to go for experience, then the likes of Blade or, or John Cooney potentially will come into it.

"Conor Murray played last weekend and played very well for Munster. That's a big boost, obviously, because I think everyone would agree that Jamison Gibson-Park is