Bernard Jackman 'not blown away' by emerging crop ahead of Six Nations title defence

Following the retirement of Johnny Sexton and a glut of high profile injuries, RTÉ rugby analyst Bernard Jackman admitted to some "worry" about Ireland's prospects ahead of what could be a transitional Six Nations campaign.

Ireland received a double blow on Monday, with the news that wing Mack Hansen would miss their title defence being swiftly followed by confirmation that his likeliest replacement, Jimmy O'Brien, was also ruled out.

While there is better news looming on the horizon with Peter O'Mahony and James Lowe reportedly returning to fitness, neither has seen much action in the 2023/24 season.

The defending champions - who secured their fourth ever Grand Slam and a third in the past 15 years in 2023 - begin away to France in the unusual surrounds of Marseille on 2 February [Stade de France being unavailable due to preparation for Olympics].

Though the French themselves are without superstar Antoine Dupont due to sevens commitments, Jackman suggests Ireland's squad is even more stretched at the minute.

"Is it just me or is it a little bit worrying our squad?" Jackman wondered aloud on the RTÉ Rugby podcast. "When I look at what France are going to be able to put in...

"When I look at Peter (O'Mahony) being injured, Conor (Murray) hasn't played a huge amount, Porter has played a lot, Tadhg (Furlong) hasn't played much, Mack's injury (Hansen), Jimmy's injury (O'Brien), James Lowe having not played, obviously replacing Johnny (Sexton)...

"I'm a little bit worried going into this. But we will have good consistency, we've got good coaches. I'm looking forward to seeing the squad and seeing what talent Farrell has seen that has caught his eye and will be part of this rebuild."

While the Six Nations immediately following a World