The Replacements - Bench impact key for Ireland in Grand Slam success

It wasn't long ago that there were real concerns around the level of depth in the Irish squad.

We won't get the final answer to that question until the World Cup, but this Six Nations campaign has dropped a few hints that Ireland have more options that ever, and a healthy set of reserves to fall back on.

With so many injuries dotting their way around the campaign, 32 different players saw gametime over the five matches, with 26 of those starting at least once.

There's never been a competition won that hasn't been credited to the entire "squad effort", but it rings true for Ireland's Grand Slam success.

A mark of the title win has been the amount of juice Andy Farrell has been able to squeeze from his replacements, who have added to performance in every game they have played.

"All I want to do is make an impact when I get the chance and I back my skill set," said Jack Conan after the 29-16 win against England.

The Leinster back row featured in all five games, four of which came from the bench, making significant contributions at crucial stages against France, Scotland and England, with his hard running and offload to Dan Sheehan playing the hooker in for Ireland's third try (below) of the night on Saturday.

"I feel good, I feel fit and I was ready to make an impact and I'm happy I was able to do something when I got on.

"The boys had done great for 60 minutes but it was great to get a bit of time on the pitch and add to the momentum and the scoreline."

Conan, who has been keeping Gavin Coombes and Nick Timoney out of the matchday squad during this championship, says the queue of players waiting to get in is heightening the competitiveness of the group.

"Yeah they've been class, it's shown the strength in depth of the squad and the