Andy Farrell 'genuinely excited' about Mack Hansen replacement

The Ireland boss is not concerned and he sees only positives in trying to fill the vacancy with Leinster's Jordan Larmour and the less experienced Calvin Nash of Munster the apparent front runners for the number 14 jersey.

GROWING TALENT: Calvin Nash. Pic: Dan Sheridan, Inpho

Ireland's ability to embrace adversity was one of the hallmarks of last season's Grand Slam triumph and Andy Farrell is relishing the opportunity a fresh problem is offering.

Such is Ireland's multi-faceted attacking gameplan that the loss of Mack Hansen to a dislocated shoulder sustained on New Year's Day means the head coach is looking for a bespoke replacement on the right wing to face France this Friday night in Marseille.