Back to the future as Ledesma puts the snarl back into Pumas

With an average of 13 internationals now scheduled in a single season, it’s clear that some tests rank higher than others, writes Donal Lenihan

Looking at the side fielded by Joe Schmidt, I couldn’t help but feel that, regardless of the decision the New Zealander makes at the end of the month regarding his tenure as Irish coach, the future beyond the 2019 World Cup looks bright, given the vast majority of the side that swatted away the Italian challenge with contemptuous ease will just be coming into their prime for the 2023 event in France.

Behind the scrum, the likes of Jordan Larmour — sublime at Soldier Field — Jacob Stockdale, Garry Ringrose, Joey Carbery, Luke McGrath, and Ross Byrne will have bagged enormous experience at international level and will be leading the charge.