Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan did not spring any surprises today when he named his squad for the RBS 6 Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Sunday February 6.
Indeed, O'Sullivan's 25-man panel is brimming with experience, as Ireland gear up for what is expected to be their most serious assault on the championship in years.
Opensides Johnny O'Connor and Denis Leamy are the only forwards who have yet to make their Six Nations debuts.
Among the eleven backs named, Ronan O'Gara is available for selection following his recent hand injury sustained three weeks ago.
The Munster fly-half will play in Saturday's Celtic League clash with Llanelli and should he avoid any setbacks at Stradey Park, O'Sullivan will ask him to continue at number 10.
O'Sullivan said: "Ronan has grown into the position over the last couple of years. I'm sure I'm the envy of all national coaches with two world-class fly-halves at my disposal - it's great to have Ronan and David (Humphreys) available."
The weekend's Celtic League program means O'Sullivan's Six Nations plans could still be hit by injury but currently only back rows Simon Easterby and Anthony Foley are concerns.
"Simon has a hamstring problem but he'll be playing this eekend and we'll see how he gets on. Anthony hasn't trained this week because of a knock and he'll also be closely monitored this weekend," said O'Sullivan.
Injury has forced the coach's hand over the past two two years but the full compliment of backs available ensures the axe must fall over one of the heroes of Ireland's recent emergence as genuine championship contenders.
Leinster's Girvan Dempsey would appear to be the most likely victim with Geordan Murphy switching to full-back, Shane Horgan reverting to the wing and last year's player of the tournament Gordon D'Arcy returning at centre.
O'Sullivan said: "It will be tough to leave one of the guys out. I have a pretty close idea of who I want to be in the backline but I won't be making any final decisions until I'm sure everyone is ready to go.
"It's the most difficult part of the job telling a player he's no longer in the team. It's horrendous leaving someone out of the team, especially if they haven't done anything wrong.
"It's important to handle the situation properly. You have to be up-front, direct with people and tell them why you're doing it. You have to explain the logic - they never agree with you but they respect it if you've been straight with them.
"You make these calls on what you believe is right and no matter what you do other people will think you're wrong."
O'Sullivan names his final 22-man squad for the clash against Italy at lunchtime next Wednesday.
Forwards: Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan, Simon Easterby, Anthony Foley, John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Denis Leamy, Eric Miller, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Johnny O'Connor, Malcolm O'Kelly, Frankie Sheahan, Alan Quinlan.
Backs: Gordon D'Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Guy Easterby, Denis Hickie, Shane Horgan, David Humphreys, Kevin Maggs, Geordan Murphy, Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer.
