Dr. Collins also sees possible breakthroughs in the work of Ehud Isacoff, John Flannery and their colleagues at the University of California, Berkeley, who are working on a novel therapy for blindness.

WSJ: What Might Innovation Award Winners Look Like in Five or 10 Years?

Munster's pack, which includes the likes of Paul O'Connell, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Denis Leamy, Donncha O'Callaghan and David Wallace, is regarded as one of the most attritional in Europe.

BBC: Gaffney wary of Munster forwards

Both Jerry Flannery and John Hayes, who have had limited action this season, remain in the front row with Brisbane-born Court making only his second start for Ireland following his full debut in the defeat by Argentina in Buenos Aires back in 2007.

BBC: Sexton to make debut for Ireland

Thirteen Irish players - including replacements Gordon D'Arcy and John Hayes - featured on the Lions tour, while two more - Tomas O'Leary and Jerry Flannery - were forced to withdraw from the original squad because of injury.

BBC: Ireland omit five Ulster players