With Andy Farrell having named his 2020 Six Nations squad, this article takes a look at the forwards that he had selected to his team.
Rob Herring
Herring has a chance to be the starting hooker for Ireland and is known for his defense. Herring has been praised for his work ethic, but there are some serious questions about his lineout ability. It will be interesting how he does in this tournament.
Dave Heffernan
Heffernan has risen up to be the first choice hooker at Connacht and is now getting a chance to be Ireland's first choice now that Rory Best has retired. Regardless, he is an explosive player who could bring some dynamism to a match.
Ronan Kelleher
Kelleher is an intriguing player as he is the first choice for Leinster, but Kelleher has a chance to be the long-term hooker replacing Best. However, with his play the last few months, some have said that he is the next big thing and could develop into a star. He will get his opportunity this tournament, but we might be looking at the man who will fill Best's shoes.
Cian Healy
The grizzled veteran has had a resurgence after injuries had cost him some time and a starting spot, but Healy made the squad and instantly gives them more depth. While it will be interesting to see whether he will start or not, having him in the game day squad would be wise. He's also dangerous as a ball carrier as he is so effective and strong. His scrummaging is also superb.
Jack McGrath
McGrath had been a top prop for Ireland for a few years, but then fell down the depth chart after poor performance and rise of other props. Now, McGrath has a chance to re-establish himself. If he returns to his old form, it will be very beneficial for Ireland's scrum.
Tadhg Furlong
Furlong might be one of the best tighthead props in the world and the Irish are blessed to have his talents on their squad. He's powerful and quick, plus he is bruising when it comes to the breakdown. He's also exceptional at the set piece. Not having him in the lineup would be a mistake.
David Kilcoyne
Kilcoyne is a very intriguing prospect as he is always vying for a starting spot. The question of whether or not he is good enough to start for Ireland is very silly as he is more than well qualified to do so, but the problem was whether he should start over Healy and Jack McGrath over the past couple of years. That being said, he is an excellent prop who is great at the set piece and he does provide some depth.
Andrew Porter
Porter is good enough to swing into either tighthead or loosehead prop as his versatility will come in handy if an injury occurs. One of his upside traits is his physicality as he is very strong, good scrummager, excellent at the breakdown, and clears the ruck well, plus he lifts well during the lineout. Farrell should seriously consider him on match day to be in the 23.
Tom O'Toole
O'Toole is a top notch prop for Ulster is now getting a chance to shine for Ireland. He might be the next wave of great players and might become a star. O'Toole is a strong player who provides depth, but could be a key player in the future.
Devin Toner
Toner will be instrumental to Ireland's lineout in this tournament, but the question is whether he is 100 percent fit. He was left off the Rugby World Cup squad in a very controversial matter, but now he has a chance to prove that it was mistake to not include him. He might not get the starting nod either, but he provides depth at least.
Iain Henderson
Henderson has been a mainstay in the second row for what feels like an eternity. His ball carrying skills is excellent as he is a very hard man to bring down and he is a physical presence. His selection was not a shocker.
James Ryan
Ryan is a young player who has seemingly come out of nowhere and showed that he should be in the starting lineup. He carries the ball well and seemingly makes tackles all the time as he is always involved in every play. He is an integral part of the set piece and will likely be a mainstay in Ireland's second row for many years.
Ultan Dillane
Dillane hasn't gotten many chances to prove himself, but there is a lot to like about him. Schmidt had discovered him a while back, but he has been a solid player. He will provide depth at this tournament.
Peter O'Mahony
O'Mahony has been a rock in the Irish back row for a while. He is a steady presence in the back row and almost seemingly a very key component to it too. He also might not get all the glory, but he does the dirty work.
CJ Stander
Stander has become a world class back row player for Ireland as he can play as a flanker or at the 8 jersey. An incredible ball carrier and physical, expect him to be in the starting lineup or named as a replacement, but where in the lineup is the question. He is also durable which will help in the Six Nations as they face some physical teams. Stander will be an important part of the back row.
Josh van der Flier
One of the most underrated players for Ireland has to be van der Flier. He is a strong tackler and is a good ball carrier, but his presence will be the key for the back row if Ireland wants to win. He has a history of injuries, but don't let that discourage as to whether he will be healthy enough for the Six Nations.
Jack O'Donoghue
While he has some caps under his belt, he is a relative new face to the squad. He is finally getting a chance to prove himself as he has played well for Munster of late. He should be depth.
Max Deegan
This youngster is getting his first chance to prove himself at the international stage. He has been a rock for Leinster this season and now has a chance to solidify himself Ireland. He will get some playing time this tournament.
Caelan Doris
Another newcomer to Ireland, Doris might be the next star backrow player for Ireland. He has been exceptional for Leinster and will have a chance to show the world what he is all about. He is an exciting player to watch.
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