Andy Farrell has challenged his players to make selection as tough as possible heading into 2022.
The Ireland head coach has made four changes to his side for Sunday's meeting with Argentina (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player) as Joey Carbery, Robbie Henshaw, Conor Murray and Robert Baloucoune all come in following last week's memorable win against New Zealand.
Despite suggestions Farrell may experiment with his squad for the final game of November, he's named an unchanged forwards pack, which sees the same front and back row trios start a third game in a row.
Excluding Jack Carty and Luke McGrath who were late additions to the squad this week, it means 10 of the squad will have missed out on any game time in the Autumn Nations Series.
Farrell says the reality of the situation has led to several "honest" conversations with his wider squad, adding that they have been told what they need to do to get back into contention in the Six Nations.
"They know exactly where they are at," he said.
"I have had individual conversations with all of them.
"It is difficult for them, there is no doubt about that. Selection should be difficult and the conversations I have had with all of them, selection is in their own hands, don't let it be a 50-50 (call).
"Go back now to your provinces and let's see what you are made of, see where camp, the training, everything they have picked up. Not just from how we play, but how they pick up stuff off each other. It will be there for all to see, won't it, in the next couple of months.
"So, we are interested, like always, how people transfer from camp to club form ASAP and keep that going to want to get back into the room for the Six Nations."
One of those players who has been given a chance to impress is Baloucoune (above), with the Ulster wing starting for his second cap, having scored a try on his debut against the USA in July.
Farrell says the 24-year-old is making him self comfortable bit by bit with the international rugby environment.
"He's a quiet type of chap and gets about his business in that type of way. But the potential is there for all to see. I love the way that he's unorthodox in his play. He's obviously very quick and hopefully we can get him into a bit of space.
"He has a natural feel for the game and very underestimated as far as decision-making and reads in defence. He's very good in the high ball. So hopefully we can get some front-foot ball and give him some room," the head coach added.
The eight-day turnaround from the win against New Zealand has offered Ireland an extra day's rest in preparation for their final Test of 2021, with Mario Ledesma's Argentina looking to end their season on a high after a difficult campaign.
Last week's win brought with it enormous levels of joy and excitement, including a video call from the President of the United States of America Joe Biden, but Farrell is adamant there will be no complacency this week. The All Blacks are in the rear-view mirror.
"Honestly, I'm certainly over it.
"As coaches and as players we are really pleased with the way the week has gone because we know the type of emotion that is coming our way this weekend because it is their last game of the season and we know what type of battle it is going to be.
"We’ll dust everything off over the next couple of weeks and see where we are with reviews etc but it’s full steam ahead this week."
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Follow Ireland v Japan (Saturday, 3pm) and Ireland v Argentina (Sunday, 2.15pm) via our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app, watch live on RTÉ 2 and the RTÉ Player, or listen to national radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.
