Final audition will change or reinforce Joe Schmidt’s thinking

Eighty minutes to change or reinforce Joe Schmidt’s thinking. That is all that is left for the Ireland players on duty this weekend to convince the head coach they are worth a place in his 31-man squad for the World Cup, now just three weeks away.

For most, the opportunity comes at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow afternoon in Ireland’s home farewell against Wales, for which Schmidt named his matchday squad of 23 yesterday, to be led by captain Paul O’Connell in the Munster veteran’s final Test on Irish soil.

More, including Ulster back three duo Andrew Trimble and Tommy Bowe, will turn out for their provinces over the next couple of days with the New Zealander primed and ready to study game footage of their efforts.