Prop forwards

Wrapped in cotton wool since the Six Nations, Horan will actually be 30 by the World Cup, when he should also reach the half-century. An experienced test prop now, streetwise if not destructive at scrum time and wonderfully skilled and dynamic in the loose.

The Bull is arguably as important as any of the "untouchables" for his strength, experience and peerless lineout lifting, as well as being the bulwark of the Irish defence around the fringes. Even the scrums look a liability without him. History will show him in an even better light.

Adequately replaced Horan in the win over Australia last November, only to look out of his depth against England A. Then came through Argentinian tests with credit only to struggle against Scotland recently and fall off a couple of tackles in a disappointing eve-of-tournament effort.

First capped over four years ago, captain of Ulster and even of Ireland, in Argentina, when like Young came through the tests seemingly with credit. But struggled again in the scrums against Scotland recently and lacks dynamism in the loose.