Familiar Ireland squad may lack excitement, but that could be its strength

A 36-man Ireland squad that falls along anticipated lines and with a very familiar look to it may not be especially exciting, nor will it satisfy the desire for freshness, but for the most part a relatively settled squad is generally a sign of strength. Exhibit A: the Springboks at the last World Cup.

All but six of the players named by Andy Farrell on Wednesday for next month’s Nations Championship northern series were among the 36-strong squad for the southern series during the summer. Four of those places have been taken by Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird, Mack Hansen and Tommy O’Brien, all of whom are returning from injury having been sidelined from Test rugby since last November.