Ireland take on France in less than a month in the first game of the 2026 Six Nations.
It's away from home against the competition favourites, and Andy Farrell's men will be heading with a depleted squad after injuries to the likes of Ryan Baird, Mack Hansen, Jamie Osborne, Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Craig Casey.
Would our injury-stricken 23 be able to pull off a miracle at the Stade de France?
Out of nowhere, Ireland's stock at loosehead has been devastated with injuries to their two first-choice players, Andrew Porter and Paddy McCarthy.
Neither man have officially been ruled out of the game, but the initial updates are extremely worrying, with Porter potentially missing up to eight weeks, and McCarthy described as having suffered a 'significant foot injury'.
It's time for Boyle and Michael Milne to step up and take their game to the next level.
Thankfully, Ireland are fully loaded at hooker, with Sheehan getting back to top form with Leinster and Ulster's Tom Stewart pushing hard for the back-up jersey.
The veteran is nailed on to start, but he will be hoping he has a better day than his last outing in green, which saw the Irish front row crucified against South Africa in November.
Over the past year, McCarthy has graduated into a more senior role within the side, while his importance to the side has grown exponentially.
He's already a test Lions at 24, and a crucial cog for Andy Farrell, with his quick-burst carries and aggressive defence.
The redemption tour begins for Ryan in Paris, following his reckless sending off against the Springboks.
Like the rest of the pack, he will likely need one of his best games in green if Ireland are to cause an upset.
Munster's captain could start at lock, with Jack Conan or another filling in at 6.
However, Ireland are better suited with a top lineout option in the backrow given their struggles in this department.
The former World Player of the Year has been setting an example that his teammates should look to, after hitting top form in recent weeks.
His try against La Rochelle on Saturday showed a turn of pace which few knew he had.
The captain will be relishing another battle with his arch-nemesis Gregory Alldritt.
He should be back to his pre-summer form by February.
Age has not yet slowed the 33-year-old, despite calls from fans to find a replacement before the next World Cup.
He may have to play 80 minutes at the Stade de France, with Craig Casey likely to be unavailable with a shoulder injury.
Given his superior Autumn and recent form, Prendergast is looking like the favourite to get the nod at 10 over Jack Crowley.
Harry Byrne remains a dark horse for the position as well.
James Lowe's dip in form could open the door for other options, although Farrell will almost certainly play it safe, especially given Mack Hansen's injury.
Stockdale has shown glimpses of his 2018 level over the past few seasons and has recently shone at fullback.
An easy choice at 12, despite competition from Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki.
The quality of a lot of Ireland's backline ball will depend on the carrying from the Ulsterman.
Ringrose is back for Leinster this weekend, which should provide him with some much-needed minutes.
His performance against the Springboks was a reminder of what a valuable weapon he can be in defence.
Ireland need to take advantage of the purple patch Ulster's winger is currently having and hand him a debut.
None of the sides he has faced this year have been able to handle his pace and strength.
The Lions hero is yet to play this season, but given the injury list at fullback, he may start even with just an Ireland camp in him and no Leinster game time.
Replacements: Tom Stewart, Michael Milne, Tom Clarkson, Edwin Edogbo, Jack Conan, Nathan Doak, Jack Crowley, Bundee Aki.
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13th January 2026
12:46pm GMT
