The variables at the moment are unending, mainly because the Autumn internationals and 2025 Six Nations, which will have the biggest bearing on squad selection, are still on the horizon.
The Lions captain and coaching team are also unknown, and the only sure thing is that Farrell's coaching credentials have been burnished brightly this summer by Ireland securing a drawn-away series against South Africa.
It's a good reason right now for Ireland having the lion's share of seats on the plane to Australia, reinforced by the headache they gave the Springboks despite the absence of scrum-half linchpin, and playmaker, Jamison Gibson-Park.
However, the Tests against the world champions in Pretoria and Durban also shone a searchlight on potential pinch-points in Lions selection. Some of what was illuminated is that experienced players intrinsic to Ireland's advance to the top of the world rankings, might be heading over the brow of the hill come next summer.
Denne historien er fra August 18, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra August 18, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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England show who's No.1
ENGLAND women’s head coach John Mitchell says his side will take valuable lessons from the 24-12 win over world champions New Zealand as they build towards their WXV1 title defence.
Skivington: We're going to roll dice and go for it
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Four-try England make it 17 wins on the spin
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Time for Borthwick to prove his worth
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Barrington ready to power up the Mob
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Skivington keen to build identity
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Roebuck targets England success
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Booth: Tough telling players I was leaving
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Stephens' debut try sees off old rivals
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