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Published 21:50 10 Feb 2017 GMT
Updated 21:52 10 Feb 2017 GMT
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It's not impossible, but it is unlikely, that the aforementioned players, especially Best, Ryan and Heaslip, will be on the starting side during the World Cup.
So when do you offer the opportunity to increase the experience to young and upcoming players who will be the cornerstone of the Irish team in the future?
Now, we are not talking about experience in summer tours against weaker nations or 20 minute cameo appearances against more formidable opponents.
This is about experiencing the highest level of Test match rugby, in an environment where you are tested to the maximum, both physically and mentally.
An example of this is the Six Nations.
Think of the players who are knocking on the door in the positions which some of the older generation currently occupy.
Ultan Dillane, Niall Scannell, Tiernan O'Halloran to name but a few.
Of course we want to see Ireland be as competitive as possible and win every Test match, the outcry to Ireland's loss to Scotland is testament to this.
But with raising the Web Ellis Trophy the ultimate goal for this Irish team come 2019, perhaps there should currently be greater exposure to our younger players in the most intense and demanding of arenas.Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
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