Tuesday 31 January 2017 14:32, UK
Ireland have their sights set on a third Six Nations title in four years after an historic 2016 where they beat all of the southern hemisphere's 'Big Three' for the first time.
The lengthy injury list Ireland endured last year's Championship and subsequent tour of South Africa has ultimately worked in their favour. They now boast serious strength in depth, in particular the back row, with Paddy Jackson proving a more than capable understudy for Johnny Sexton, who has been ruled out of Saturday's opener in Murrayfield.
Excellent ball retention, a solid set piece and efficient breakdown work are just some of Ireland's strengths, but there are still areas to work on. They conceded 13 tries in four autumn internationals, missed far too many tackles and failed to turn sustained pressure into points in the Dublin Tests against New Zealand and Australia.
Concerns remain over Sexton's fitness and a lack of depth at scrum-half but a favourable fixture list should allow Ireland to build some momentum heading into key clashes with Wales and England.
Garry Ringrose has already forged an impressive partnership with Robbie Henshaw at Leinster and that looks set to continue at international level in the absence of the injured Jared Payne.
The 21-year-old's dazzling footwork has drawn comparisons with Brian O'Driscoll. He topped Leinster's charts for defenders beaten during the Champions Cup pool stages and his first international try during Ireland's win over Australia in November was one to remember.
The centre has also bulked up physically and emerged as a defensive leader.
Forwards: Finlay Bealham, Rory Best, Jack Conan, Ultan Dillane, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Iain Henderson, Billy Holland, Dave Kilcoyne, Dan Leavy, Jack McGrath, Sean O'Brien, Tommy O'Donnell, Peter O'Mahony, Donnacha Ryan, John Ryan, Niall Scannell, CJ Stander, Devin Toner, James Tracy, Josh van der Flier.
Backs: Tommy Bowe, Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Craig Gilroy, Robbie Henshaw, Paddy Jackson, Rob Kearney, Kieran Marmion, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Luke McGrath, Conor Murray, Tiernan O'Halloran, Garry Ringrose, Rory Scannell, Jonathan Sexton, Andrew Trimble, Simon Zebo.
