anybody making a case for Ireland ?
Yes, but its filled with ifs and maybes.
If Joe Schmidt is quickly able to establish his mark and communicate plan
And Ireland are fortunate with injuries and form
And the raw talents around the Ireland set-up grow up quick this season
They could be favourites.
The backline at full potential is staggeringly dangerous. Murray now looks a lot more like a true international scrum-half, Sexton is entering his pomp and they are overwhelmed with back three options. There are question marks over who plays at 12, but there are 3-4 really good young talents, so one of them should step up. Most of them can make an impact on a big stage already when in form. I feel the only place where depth is an issue is 9, 13, 9 again, possibly 10 and also 9.
Up front there's a few more issues. The depth seems frailer. I think they sorely need the Manchild to step up and force his way in simply to add an extra source of extreme physicality. I don't know where he starts, just get him on the park. But if everyone is fit and in form then its up a good enough unit.
Really, I think Ireland are a year out - they get a kinder schedule next year and a lot of fringe players will be better for it. But if everything goes right they do have all the ingredients.