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19th October 2025
02:50pm BST
In just under two weeks, Ireland will kick off their Autumn Nations Series against the All Blacks at Solider Field in Chicago, the site of their first win over New Zealand back in 2016.
After a relatively disappointing season, there should be an improvement based off factors such as the return of Andy Farrell as head coach, as well certain players, while others are coming back into form.
Farrell is known for predictable selections more often than not, but he has the results and pedigree to back up his methods.
*The team below is not the one we reckon the Wigan man will go with, but the one we would select, based on form and experience in test matches.
The starters are non negotiable, with Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong taking up their usual slots.
One of the few, if only, positives from a Leinster perspective after yesterday's derby loss to Munster, was the performance of the front row, and their dominance at set piece.
There have been calls to start Finlay Bealham over Furlong in recent months, but the latter returned to top form with the Lions and was excellent again at Croker.
Bench-wise, Paddy McCarthy showed enough in his brief, 17 minute cameo against Munster that he is ready to take the No 17 jersey, albeit over relatively inexperienced competition in Jack Boyle.
With Joe McCarthy out injured, Tadhg Beirne will start at lock rather than blindside, his position in all three Lions tests, before winning player of the series.
While Iain Henderson will likely get the bench spot, we would rather Tom Ahern was given a chance to prove he can translate domestic form to the international stage.
Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier are shoo-ins, but blindside is harder to choose/predict.
Jack Conan is obviously the superior player to Ryan Baird, and is coming off the back of starting six Lions tests in a row.
However, a lock/blindside hybrid is a common choice among many sides, and for good reason, with lineout stability an invaluable asset.
There is always the option to throw Ahern in at the deep end, while Conan may start ahead of Doris at No 8, given the captain's lack of gametime.
Jack Crowley put the out-half debate to bed against Leinster, with his best performance ever in red, controlling the match in dominant fashion, as Sam Prendergast failed to impose himself.
Such was the substandard play of Jamison Gibson-Park, it is tempting to opt for Craig Casey, but you have to back your star men and not be swayed by one lacklustre showing.
Ireland's development as a side would benefit hugely from giving Jamie Osborne a run at 12, to inject pace and guile into the backline.
Alas, he will have to be used at fullback, with Hugo Keenan unavailable due to injury.
This opens the door for our most controversial pick; giving Stuart McCloskey the keys to inside centre, partnering Garry Ringrose at 13.
Bundee Aki has played his best rugby over the past year as an impact sub, while Robbie Henshaw has been a shadow of his best self.
James Lowe is the obvious pick at left wing, and is still seen as our main spark and source of creativity.
With Mack Hansen doubtful after picking up an injury in Connacht's loss to the Bulls, it provides an opportunity for Tommy O'Brien to step up.
The Leinster flyer is one of the most in-form players on the island, and already has four tries in two games.
Osborne, as we mentioned, will start at fullback.
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Tom Ahern, Jack Conan, Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast, Bundee Aki.
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