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Published 18:44 24 Aug 2019 BST
Updated 09:38 25 Aug 2019 BST
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With the World Cup opener against Scotland now four weeks away, Ireland must now stick with the men that have brought them many big victories over the past three years. It is surely too late for sweeping changes. Schmidt has to stick with these men and hope the World Cup itself can provide momentum.
We may have a good idea of the final squad but who starts against Scotland. Looking at key areas, we are in a heap of trouble.
CJ Stander has been completely nullified in those three games. The Munster back row so often racks up incredible statistics in his games for province and country. The norm for Stander is hitting double figures for carries, metres made and tackles before the first half has wrapped.
Today at Twickenham, Stander did not make a single carry in the first half. Remember, Ireland were leading 10-8 after 29 minutes so this was not a beat-down from start to finish. His first carry arrived after 47 minutes and his three carries in total ended up gaining his side eight metres. Opposite number Billy Vunipola had 12 carries for 41 metres gained, with two offloads and two defenders beaten.
Looking at Stander's stats from his three outings against England (twice) and Wales encapsulates Ireland's struggles to get going, and to get over the gainline:

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