With head coach Andy Farrell having announced his squad, this will look into Ireland's Six Nations side with which players will make up the backs.
Conor Murray
Murray is arguably the best player in the world to put on a 9 jersey, but in the last year there is some questions as to whether he is healthy as his kicking game was off and he wasn't sharp when distributing the ball. However, when he's healthy, he can control a match with precision as he can control the tempo and is incredibly smart. Also, his kicking is superb. The question of whether he is back to himself will be answered soon.
Luke McGrath
The Leinster scrumhalf managed to steal a spot from Kieran Marmion, again. His partnership with Jonathan Sexton might have factored into the decision, but his game management and kicking ability certainly helped as well. It will be interesting if McGrath becomes the backup in the near future or not.
John Cooney
Cooney may or may not have gotten a shot at playing for Ireland in Japan, but here he is with a chance to prove himself on the big stage at the Six Nations. Cooney is an exceptional scrumhalf who is playing his best rugby right now and while it was not shocking to see him make the squad, it will be interesting as to whether he gets a starting nod or not.
Jonathan Sexton
There is question as to whether Sexton should be considered as the best flyhalf in the world, and for good reason, but he is the most important player on the pitch when he is playing. His play calling and his kicking ability is incredible and needed if Ireland wants to win the Six Nations. At 34 years old, Sexton's time is coming to a close soon, but his experience and his propensity of coming through in the clutch will be influential.
Ross Byrne
Byrne is a quality player whom adds more depth at the flyhalf position. He will likely get a lot of playing time now that Joey Carbery is injured. With Byrne's ability, it just goes to show how deep Ireland is at the flyhalf position.
Billy Burns
Burns will be getting his first cap with Ireland now that he is eligible, but this might be a well deserved call up. With the injury to Carbery, there was question as to who would get the third flyhalf position. Burns seemingly got the call over Jack Carty shockingly, but this might be well deserved.
Robbie Henshaw
Henshaw has been dealing with some injuries the last couple of years, but when healthy he is a great center. His pairing with Ringrose will be key in the midfield as he plays great defense and runs the ball hard as they both have key assets in their game that compliment one another.
Garry Ringrose
A very talented center who has also dealt with injury problems in his career, but he is fully fit and has solidified himself as a top choice. He is also a two way player as he excellent with the ball, but also plays stout defense. Ringrose is one fun player to watch.
Bundee Aki
Aki's rise is unprecedented as he has seemingly come out of nowhere to become a first choice center for Schmidt. He is a durable player, but he is also very physical. Aki is an excellent offensive player too whose offloading helps move the ball well. He also can score a try with a bruising run to the try line.
Chris Farrell
Injury problems have plagued Farrell, but he is a talented center that is finally get his chance to shine on the big stage. Farrell could play either at the 12 or the 13, so he does have some versatility, and he is physical. While it was shocking to see him get the nod over some other players, Farrell clearly sees something in Farrell that made him a better option.
Stuart McCloskey
McCloskey was initially not selected to the squad, but was called up because of injury concerns to the centers. It was a shock he didn't get his named called upon initially, but he is more than deserving to get back on the team as he has excelled the last few weeks and is probably deserving of even a starting role despite a cluster of excellent centers. He should get some playing time.
Keith Earls
It's amazing to think that Earls is now a grizzled veteran for Ireland, but here we are and his experience will play a key role in the backline. He is a fast player who can blaze past the defense seemingly effortlessly, but he also is great defensively. He also is a versatile player as he can play multiple positions.
Jacob Stockdale
Like Larmour, Stockdale hasn't yet reached his potential, but unlike Larmour, Stockdale's potential is superstar level. If he isn't one of the five best wingers in rugby right now, he is certainly going to be very, very soon. Stockdale is a great talent who has scored tries left and right. His kick and chase ability with the ball is really a sight to behold. Stockdale is the real deal and is the best winger on the team.
Dave Kearney
Rob Kearney's brother Dave will look like he will get his chance to shine at the Six Nations. Kearney is versatile and experienced which would have come nicely for wanting to win the Six Nations. It will be interesting to see how he will be used.
Andrew Conway
Conway was blocked from playing in the starting lineup because of Stockdale and Earls, but he is a quality winger and has a chance to shine. Conway has the ability to be a solid winger on the international stage, but he is also a versatile player which might have given him more of an upper hand in Schmidt's decision to include him in the squad.
Jordan Larmour
Larmour came into the scene in 2018 and is a talented winger. He isn't quite up to his potential yet, but he is still dynamic. He can also play as a fullback and has a chance to fill the role that Rob Kearney has left. Larmour is still very young and unpolished, but once he reaches his full potential, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
Will Addison
Addison had been on the bubble, but now he has a chance to prove himself. Addison provides some versatility, which Farrell loves, and he should get some playing time. His exclusion to the World Cup squad was a shock, but ultimately he gets his chance to shine in the Six Nations.
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