Share
12th August 2015
11:55am BST
The Ulster forward's international career is still in its infancy, but the talent is undeniable. Has been utilised as an impact sub in both the back row and second row by Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, but his future likely lies at lock, where he is seen by many as the natural successor to Paul O'Connell as the powerful heart of the Irish pack.
9. Sean O'Brien, Back-row (28)
As dynamic and destructive a ball-carrier as there is in the northern hemisphere, and still only 28, O'Brien would be much higher on this list if not for his increasingly persistent spells on the sidelines.
8. Jack McGrath, Prop (25)
McGrath started every big game under Schmidt last season and truly laid down a stiff challenge to Cian Healy for the No1 jersey, delivering solidity in the scrum and offering himself up for plenty of work around the park. Props traditionally develop later than other positions and have greater longevity, so McGrath, who celebrates his birthday on October 11, the day Ireland take on France, should have a good decade of high-level performance in him should he want it.
7. Jamie Heaslip, number eight (31)
The oldest player on this list but the iron man of Irish rugby must surely have it in him to play until the 2019 World Cup, when he could retire at the age of 35. Granted, there are a lot of miles on the clock, but we think that a former Ireland captain - not to mention a veteran of two Lions Test series - with Heaslip's incredible record of durability would be in high demand.
6. Peter O'Mahony, flanker (25)
Munster's abrasive captain turns 26 the day before the World Cup kicks off and would be higher on this list were it not for concerns over whether his body (he has already had major surgery on both shoulders) can stand up to the physical toll he demands of it on the field. When fit, however, O'Mahony is a real warrior around the fringes and at the breakdown and a potentially inspirational figure to those beside him in the trenches.
5. Rob Kearney, full-back (29)
The Leinster full-back cemented his reputation as a world-class operator on the 2009 Lions tour to South Africa and remains highly respected the world over, often among the first names cited when opponents are preparing to face the Irish. Dependable and consistent, his work in the kicking game remains the equal of any 15 in world rugby.
4. Cian Healy, prop (27)
McGrath, his understudy at provincial and international level, is a relative front-row pup at 25, so it is hard to believe that Healy, who surpassed the 50-cap mark during this year's Six Nations and has three Heineken Cup medals in his locker, is just two years older. A powerful ball-carrier, Healy has put in the hard work and become a formidable scrummager and, given the usual development curve for a prop, has potentially yet to reach his peak.
3. Jonathan Sexton, out-half (30)
Sexton turned 30 in July but, judging by this season's Six Nations, the conductor of the Irish orchestra is only reaching the peak of his powers. Quite literally one of the most valuable players in the world if the contract that took him to Racing Metro two summers ago is anything to go by, Sexton goes into the World Cup as one of the most feared players in the northern hemisphere.
2. Robbie Henshaw, centre (22)
Long touted as a potential successor to Brian O'Driscoll, Henshaw instead made the Irish No.12 jersey his own during the Six Nations, drawing on the blend of size and speed that is highly coveted in the modern game. His future is already the subject of intense speculation, with rival provinces scrambling to add the Athlone-born midfielder to their ranks when he decides to move on from Connacht. Still finding his feet at the top level, the early results are beyond encouraging, with some of last season's performances drawing favourable comparisons with the likes of Ma'a Nonu.
1. Conor Murray, scrum-half (26)
Fast becoming the lynchpin of the Irish side, Murray has always excelled in the more physical aspects of scrum-half play, but over the last two seasons finally added a really high-quality kicking game to his already impressive arsenal. With Sexton, Murray has formed one of the most consistent and dangerous half-back pairings in world rugby and, having just turned 26, the 2013 Lions tourist is still improving his ability to control games with each passing season. Any team would be more than happy to pencil the Limerick man into their side for at least the next half-decade.Explore more on these topics:
