Ireland's forwards are again their main strength, but their are some rays of hope in their weak backline of recent years with the inclusion of centre Brian O'Driscoll and scrum-half Tom Tierney.
Seven players drop out from the 34-man squad announced for the short training spin in September, with Tommy Bowe injured and Peter Bracken, Tom Court, John Fogarty, Alan Quinlan, Mick O'Driscoll and Rob Kearney not required.