With Andy Farrell to name his World Cup squad on Sunday, a look at the main talking points before Ireland's warm-up game against Samoa on Saturday.
By the time Ireland head coach Andy Farrell names his World Cup squad in Dublin on Sunday afternoon, it will have been 10 weeks since he assembled a 42-man training panel to begin preparations for the tournament in France.
Henderson was also captain against Italy, and while the lock looks assured of a place in Farrell's final 33, his club-matesto ensure they join him on the flight back to France. With Sheehan and Kelleher having battled fitness concerns, Saturday is a gilt-edged chance for Stewart to shine in a World Cup-esque environment against Samoa, which could be considered a dress rehearsal for Ireland's second Pool B game against Tonga.
Stockdale started the win over Italy, but having been excluded from last week's win over England, the writing appears to be on the wall for the 27-year-old after not making the matchday 23 for Samoa. It is important to note, however, that given France's close geographical proximity to Ireland - compared to Japan in 2019 - there is still a chance for omitted players to feature at the World Cup should injuries arise with the ability to quickly integrate squad additions.Crowley again has the chance to rival Byrne as the main back-up to Johnny Sexton at fly-half
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