Ronan O'Gara: Earls has more credit in the bank than Stockdale

Quite a lot was achieved in Ireland’s last Six Nations victory over Wales in Dublin. By the time Andy Farrell and his management sat down last Sunday to strategise for England, certain key things had crystallised.

First, the debate over the No 15 jersey has been put to bed, unforeseen circumstances notwithstanding. Jordan Larmour’s 80 minutes against Wales said to Farrell: I am the Leinster 15 and now the Ireland 15. There was no discussion last Sunday night on full back. The big debate was probably on the two wing positions.