Predicting Ireland's Six Nations starting XV

The dust has only settled on Ireland’s autumn campaign but thoughts are already turning to next year’s Six Nations and what Andy Farrell’s starting side will be when they travel to Cardiff in 10 weeks’ time.

Farrell has plenty of food for thought from Ireland’s wins over South Africa, Fiji and Australia. The head coach handed out five debuts across the three Tests and tried new combinations, while also rewarding players who started the season in fine form for their provinces.

Some justified their selection, some didn’t, and with others due to return from injury, Farrell has some big calls to make as Ireland attempt to start a Rugby World Cup year in style by winning a Six Nations title.

Back three

The full-back position is Hugo Keenan's to lose. The South Africa game was his first of the season yet he hit the ground running with another rock-solid display.

The versatile Jimmy O’Brien threw his name into the hat as cover for Keenan with an assured performance against Fiji, with his left boot proving a useful weapon across the month.

The wing positions are less clear cut. Mack Hansen started all three November Tests and scored two tries but his performances dipped against Fiji and Australia. Robert Baloucoune was forced to live off scraps in his two appearances while O’Brien’s stint on the wing against the Wallabies was the least impressive of his three outings.

James Lowe, Andrew Conway and Keith Earls missed out through injury while Jacob Stockdale had to settle for a sole outing with Ireland A. Should that quartet rediscover fitness and form, Farrell will be spoilt for choice.

Midfield

Stuart McCloskey received the international recognition his Ulster form warranted and the centre certainly made an impact against South Africa