Andy Farrell hopes Ireland's frontline stars stay fit with Wales on the horizon

Tadhg Furlong at Leinster Rugby squad training at Energia Park in Dublin yesterday. ‘He looks in fantastic shape,’ says Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Naming an Ireland squad is a challenge at the best of times but having selected 36 players yesterday ahead of next month’s Guinness Six Nations opener, Andy Farrell must now wait and see if they are capable of making it to the February 7 starting line in one piece.

As much as he will have welcomed the opportunity to select Tadhg Furlong, James Lowe, and Iain Henderson ahead of the first-round trip to Cardiff to play Wales, there must first be assurances that they, as well as captain Johnny Sexton and Peter O’Mahony will be over their various injury issues and ready for action at the Principality Stadium 12 days from now.