Four key places in Ireland’s November squad that are up for grabs

Decisions, decisions!

Loosehead prop

A mix of injuries and lack of experienced depth may force Farrell into opting for a relative newcomer, or even a debutant.

Andrew Porter and Tom O'Toole have their places locked in, but injuries to Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle leaves the door open.

There are three players who have a realistic chance of nabbing that third spot: 31-year-old Jeremy Loughman, the recently-capped Billy Bohan, and potential-debutant Alex Usanov.

Munster's Loughman is the most likely choice, and would deserve it, given how he has scrummaged alongside Kieran Brookes and Jack Aungier this season.

However, Farrell's selection of Bohan during the summer, as well as tighthead Sam Illo, shows that he is willing to shed some of his conservatism when it comes to prop selection.

Despite his youth and inexperience, Usanov has locked down scrums in Leinster's first four games this season, in the absence of McCarthy and Boyle, and he also has the highest ceiling of the three.

Farrell's pick: Jeremy Loughman

Our pick: Alex Usanov

Tighthead prop

Similar to the opposite side of the scrum, two players - Tadhg Furlong and Tom Clarkson - have their squad places locked down.

There appears to be four realistic options for that third slot: Finlay Bealham, Sam Illo, Kieran Brookes and Jack Aungier.

Three have been capped, although Brooke's experience playing with England and his vast amount of Premiership and Top 14 appearances, make him a much different prospect to the likes of Usanov and Illo.

The 36-year-old has been the most impressive player at any of the provinces this season, with his demolition of the Ulster scrum like nothing we have seen from an Irish-qualified player before.

Aungier's mobility could put him ahead in Farrell's eyes, while Bealham - despite being slightly out of favour with Ireland, and rested for Connacht's Champions Cup win over Saracens - has the 57 Ireland caps to his name.

Farrell's pick: Kieran Brookes

Our pick: Kieran Brookes

No 8

While we don't yet know the extent of Jack Conan's injury, the likelihood is that he will miss at least one game during November.

Thus, we are on course to see not one, but two relatively new faces in the squad, given Caelan Doris' longterm injury.

After his impressive performances for Ireland this summer, Sean Jansen looks favourite for selection.

Gavin Coombes has famously never been favoured by the current Ireland management team, and his Munster teammate Brian Gleeson is more likely to get the nod.

Another, less likely option, is James McNabney, who has been superb for Ulster since returning from a year-long ACL absence.

However, Farrell could very well shift Cian Prendergast to the back of the scrum, which would free up a space at blindside for a Cormac Izuchukwu or Thomas Ahern.

Farrell's picks: Sean Jansen, Cian Prendergast.

Our picks: Sean Jansen, Brian Gleeson.

Out-half

The most fascinating dilemma is at 10, where again we have two players - Sam Prendergast and Ciarán Frawley - nailed on, with a plethora of talented but flawed suitors waiting in the wings.

Last year, Harry Byrne would have been a shoo-in, but for various reasons he may not see game time in green this autumn.

He finished last season in poor form, and carried it over during his brief cameo against the Lions, for which he started on the bench behind Caspar Gabriel.

To make matters worse, he is currently concussed, with no further update in Leinster's latest injury assessment.

Joey Carbery is the most experienced, caps-wise, but he has not played for Ireland since 2022, and has played just seven minutes since returning to Leinster during the summer.

Given these circumstances, the most likely candidate is probably Jack Murphy, who has steered the Ulster backline well for over two seasons, under the tutelage of his father and head coach Richie.

But if Farrell wants to take a big left-field swing, there are two raw youngsters ready to play, in Caspar Gabriel and Charlie O'Shea.

They have just 108 and 150 minutes of pro rugby under their belts, respectively, with O'Shea showing serious form during a POTM showing against the Bulls and Munster's Champions Cup win over Racing.

However, Gabriel looks the more physical of the two men.

Farrell's pick: Jack Murphy

Our pick: Caspar Gabriel