There’s a lack of consistency across the board but head coach will be comfortable with what he has as he hones in on Australia
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell (centre) with, clockwise from top left, Tom O’Toole, Robert Baloucoune, Caelan Doris, Edwin Edogbo, Bryn Ward, Craig Casey.
Squad depth is an obsession in rugby and perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise given how confrontational and dangerous the sport is.
Compared to other top nations like South Africa, France, England and New Zealand, Ireland is at a disadvantage when it comes to the number of top-end players and the head coach is always working from a small base.