Little over a year since Paul O’Connell’s rugby career ended so painfully, the Irish second-row is looking a little crowded.
The scourge of TV sports quizzes was partnered that day by Devin Toner, who has cemented his place as Ireland’s lineout specialist and first choice lock.
Barring injury, the big Leinster man is certain to earn his 41st cap against the All Blacks on Saturday, when the world champions could well welcome back both their first-choice second-rows, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock.
But who should partner Toner in the engine room? The man himself is a big fan of Ultan Dillane, who is surely pressing hard to take Donnacha Ryan’s jersey after his man of the match performance against Canada.
Fast, athletic and powerful, the Connacht newcomer is as Toner explains, a ‘new breed’ of second row, but he may lack Ryan’s nous at the setpiece.
Add into the mix the fit again the powerful Iain Henderson, who replaced the injured O’Connell at the World Cup and started in the second row for the historic win in Cape Town back in June, and you have a very big conundrum.
Four potential starters representing the four province of Ireland, but who do you think should start against the All Blacks on Saturday?
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