There are layers of promise below Ireland's ageing core 

Three of the replacements against Japan were key players for the national U20 side that reached the final of the World Championship in South Africa in the summer of 2023

Ireland's Paddy McCarthy, Nick Timoney, Gus McCarthy, Caolin Blade and Jack Crowley celebrate after the win over Japan. Pic: Gary Carr, Inpho

Halfway through Ireland’s November Test window and, for all the changes to the selection against Japan, the expectation is that we will see a side preserved in aspic when Andy Farrell shows his hand for Australia and for the Springboks seven days later.

The fear is that there simply isn’t the same quality coming up through the ranks to take on the baton from players who have done so much for so long at the top level, but who are now a good stretch down the final leg of their careers.