'There's an exciting look to the panel' - Andy Farrell returns with his tried and tested Ireland squad

Yet with an ageing squad, with eight of the players named on Wednesday set to be at least 35 by the next World Cup, would it not have been beneficial to hand opportunities sooner rather than later to less experienced players.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

After a summer of adventure and fresh blood, Ireland’s squad make-up has reverted to the status quo for next month’s four Test matches as Andy Farrell returns alongside his tried and tested on-field lieutenants.

There is sound reasoning behind every one of the head coach’s 34 selections, including the 16 fit and available Irishmen who helped Farrell secure a first British & Irish Lions series win in a dozen years who have been restored to the national camp, initially for the rematch with New Zealand at Chicago’s Soldier Field on November 1.