There are arguments for resting some of last summer’s Lions, as Eddie Jones has done with England, and all the more so 15 months out from the World Cup in Japan. Collectively too this Irish squad would cherish winning a series down under to augment their unbeaten domestic season. Five months later they won the World Cup. Yet Beirne, who spent a week in camp during the Six Nations, could be a huge addition to Ireland’s World Cup squad given his versatility, superb abilities over the ball, handling skills and mobility – witness 10 tries this season. Backs: Murray, L McGrath, Cooney; Sexton, Carbery, Keatley; Henshaw, Aki, Ringrose, Arnold; Stockdale, Earls, Larmour, Conway, R Kearney.

Source: The Irish Times May 23, 2018 04:52 UTC