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Published 14:46 6 Jan 2016 GMT
Updated 17:25 8 Jan 2016 GMT
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Rory Best continues to edge out the Leinster duo of Richardt Strauss and Sean Cronin and is a good shout for the captaincy. At loosehead, Jack McGrath should get the nod ahead of Cian Healy, who underwent minor knee surgery this year.
Alternatively, he could shift Sean O'Brien to No 6 and reinstall trusty lieutenant, and breakdown nuisance, Chris Henry at openside. With so many injuries and uncertainties, Jamie Heaslip should retain his No 8 jersey. Another strong captaincy shout.
We are already become reliant on Robbie Henshaw, despite the fact that he has only been a regular for 18 months. Payne is coming back to the picture so midfield selection may depend on his fitness and if Henshaw's hand is fully healed.
If so, he is likely to be paired with Luke Fitzgerald. The other option for this partnership seems to be Keith Earls. Neither the Leinster or Munster man have ever fully convinced us of their outside centre capabilities.
If Henshaw is not fit for February 7, Schmidt, as we have previously outlined, should go with the in-form Ulster duo of Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall.
Again, Schmidt is spoilt for choice here and it will be interesting to see how he goes. Dave Kearney was solid but unspectacular during the World Cup while Simon Zebo did not get a look-in for the big games.
Fergus McFadden is never far away while Craig Gilroy and Keith Earls will be in the conversation. Rob Kearney will be one of the first name's on Schmidt's team-sheet. No other Irish player currently holds a flame here but it would be good to see a fit Payne considered.
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