Six Nations 2026: ‘Resilient’ Scotland selection debated in Ireland and ‘Triple Crown Final’

With confidence flowing through the Scottish squad, Ireland coach Andy Farrell must master his team selection. Discussing the Irish selection, Conor Murray argued that Jack Conan has staked his claim for a starting role in the back row.

Against Wales, Conan and Nick Timoney started alongside Kaylan Doris in the back row as Tadhg Byrne moved to the second row and Josh van der Flier, another experienced back-row option, came off the bench.

“I think the Jack Conan movie is interesting,” Murray said.

“Man of the match [against Wales]always playing at a certain level, world class, the Lions’ number eight in two rounds and always finding himself on the bench because of what he can bring.

“But has he reached the stage where he should be starting? So what do you do with Tadhg Byrne at six? I always think you need James Ryan on the pitch for that scrappy presence. Playing with him as a nine is a dream because he melts people.”

Murray also feels Leinster lock Joe McCarthy is best suited for use off the bench. McCarthy started Ireland’s first three matches but made a major impact when he was introduced in the second half against Wales.

“Getting Joe off the bench is a decent energy,” the five-time UNH champion added.

“He had two or three big moments after he came on [against Wales]. It’s a convenient outlet, when the game is a bit loose, he likes those loose movements with the offload.

“The back row will be Kaylan and Jack and then it’ll be between Nick and Josh, which isn’t easy anymore.”