IT’S GETTING EVER closer to Joe Schmidt naming his match-day 23 for his first Six Nations games as Ireland coach.
The announcement will, frustratingly, arrive on Friday, leaving us to speculate for the coming day-and-a-half. It will be interesting to note whether the Kiwi stays true to the players who performed so well against New Zealand in November, or whether he springs changes in line with his intention of building depth.
If ever there was an occasion to throw the hugely promising Martin Moore into the international arena, a home tie against Scotland looks to be it. Luke Marshall grows more powerful by the month; is it time for him to take hold of the number 12 shirt? On the wings, will Andrew Trimble’s power be preferred to the effectiveness of Fergus McFadden or the footwork of Luke Fitzgerald?
Have your say in the comments section below. What match-day 23 would you like to see lining out for Ireland on Sunday and why?