Opportunities for newcomers will be at a premium as Farrell plans for New Zealand

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell 

If there is an upside to an all-South African final at the end of this inaugural United Rugby Championship campaign, Andy Farrell is set to reap it as he prepares to name his Ireland squad for this summer’s New Zealand tour on Tuesday afternoon.

No Irish team in this weekend’s Grand Final following semi-final defeats for Leinster and Ulster means the national head coach has an extra week’s preparation for what looks set to be an epic tour and Test series against the All Blacks.