In terms of replacements with a chance of a RWC spot, Conor Murray came on early in the second half and did himself no harm in that respect, nor did Marcus Horan who came on two minutes after, while Donncha Ryan looks certain to travel.

Johne Murphy was forced to withdraw in the 28th minute after sustaining what looked like a hip injury sustained in a try saving tackle.

 Ireland Select XV: Geordan Murphy; Johne Murphy (D Hurley 28th min), Darren Cave,  Ian Keatley (Ian Whitten 74th min), Fergus McFadden; Paddy Wallace, Isaac Boss (Conor Murray 47th min); Tony Buckley, Sean Cronin (Damien Varley 74th min), John Hayes (Marcus Horan 49th min), Mick O'Driscoll, Leo Cullen capt  (Donnacha Ryan 61st min), Kevin McLaughlin, Niall Ronan (Chris Henry 61st min), Denis Leamy.