The 15 men to face Scotland tomorrow:
15 Rob Kearney
Age: 26
Height: 1.85m (6ft 1in)
Weight: 95kg (14st 13lbs)
He’s s still chasing optimum match sharpness after such a long layoff through injury. The more he’s involved going forward the better Ireland will be.
14 Craig Gilroy
Age: 21
Height: 1.83m (6ft)
Weight: 90kg (14st 2lbs)
He’s a very exciting talent who can’t be left languishing on the periphery of a match. It’s important to get ball to him.
13 Brian O’Driscoll
Age: 34
Height: 1.75m (5ft 9in)
Weight: 95kg (14st 13lbs)
He can be the flame that first attracts and then burns the Scottish defence. He’ll need to take over some of the playmaking role in Jonathan Sexton’s absence.
12 Luke Marshall
Age: 21
Height: 1.81m (5ft 11in)
Weight: 92kg (14st 6lbs)
He’s a talented, young footballer who is robust with or without the ball. He’s got all the skills, vision, passing, footwork but needs to be a tad more precise in defence.
11 Keith Earls
Age: 25
Height: 1.80m (5ft 11in)
Weight: 91kg (14st 5lbs)
He has a great try-scoring rate for Ireland and despite his protests looks more comfortable on the wing. His footwork and acceleration can trick defenders.
10 Paddy Jackson
Age: 21
Height: 1.78 (5ft 10in)
Weight: 84kg (13st 3lbs)
While others will offer at times a shoulder to lean on, he must assume the game management and place-kicking responsibilities. He’s got the basic tools.
9 Conor Murray
Age: 23
Height: 1.83 (6ft 2in)
Weight: 86kg (13st 7lbs)
Good decision-making and delivery can ease the burden on Jackson but it’s not his exclusive responsibility. Decent ball from the pack would give him options.
1 Tom Court
Age: 32
Height: 1.91 (6ft 3in)
Weight: 122kg (19st 2lbs)
He has been in excellent form this season in all facets of the game. Will be looking to put the Scottish scrum under pressure.
2 Rory Best
Age: 29
Height: 1.80m (5ft 11in)
Weight: 100kg (17st 4lbs)
One of Ireland’s outstanding players in the first two matches, that consistency in quality marks him as an important asset. He faces a very tall opposition lineout.
3 Mike Ross
Age: 33
Height: 1.88m (6ft 2in)
Weight: 116kgs (18st 3lbs)
He is the key component in the Irish scrum, stabilising it on Irish ball and the focal point to attack the Scottish put-in; underrated ball-carrier.
4 Donncha O’Callaghan
Age: 33
Height: 1.98m (6ft 6in)
Weight: 115kgs (18st 2lbs)
No one will question his work ethic, his willingness to graft in undertaking the less glamorous duties in cleaning out at rucks and making tackles on the fringes.
5 Donnacha Ryan
Age: 29
Height: 1.98m (6ft 6in)
Weight: 108kgs (17st)
He’ll be measured against a front-line contender in Richie Gray for the Lions tour. His calling at the lineout will be vital as the Scots possess a very tall pack.
6 Peter O’Mahony
Age: 23
Height: 1.91 (6ft 3in )
Weight: 105kgs (16st 7lbs)
Another player to excel in the campaign to date, he’s popped up in less orthodox positions when Ireland have had the ball.
7 Seán O’Brien
Age: 25
Height: 1.88. (6ft 2in)
Weight: 108kgs (17st)
Has been excellent in the campaign but Ireland need to be a little cleverer to maximise his impact as a ball-carrier, getting him into space.
8 Jamie Heaslip (capt)
Age: 29
Height: 1.91 (6ft 3in)
Weight: 109kgs (17st 2lbs)
He’s been asked to temper his natural game somewhat to incorporate a number of additional duties in the tight. Would benefit from being freed up.
