Boss benefits by having limited exposure

AS always in these circumstances the discussion revolves as much around those unfortunate enough not to make the cut as those that do.

The omission of Tomás O’Leary was not flagged, with the first real question mark surrounding his inclusion only coming to the fore after his disappointing showing against France on Saturday. Given another sluggish performance against Scotland two weeks earlier, he could ill afford that display and Declan Kidney was forced to make a very difficult call.

Conor Murray’s emergence over the last few months demanded serious consideration and the brave decision by Kidney to throw him into the heat of battle in Bordeaux was significant.