Donal Lenihan: Leinster's brave McNamara appointment has echoes of Joe Schmidt

Leinster’s emerging talent and bold appointment of Noel McNamara offer grounds for optimism as Andy Farrell prepares for a demanding Argentina test with just 12 games to sharpen Ireland’s World Cup plans

Bordeaux-Begles attack coach Noel McNamara has been confirmed as the successor to Leo Cullen as Leinster head coach. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The clock is ticking. At best, including the Nations Championship finals weekend in Twickenham at the end of the month, Ireland have 12 Tests between now and their opening World Cup pool game against Portugal in Sydney next October.

Given Ireland third’s selection scored 106 points away to the Portuguese last year, that hardly represents a tournament opener carrying any semblance of jeopardy. Problem is, next up comes familiar World Cup foes Scotland.