RTÉ rugby analyst Bernard Jackman is not expecting too many big surprises when Simon Easterby names his Six Nations squad today, but feels that Connacht's Ben Murphy is in line for a call-up.
Easterby will name his first full Irish squad today amidst Andy Farrell's Irish sabbatical for his role with the Lions.
Ireland open their Six Nations campaign at home to England on 1 February and while Easterby’s squad selection looks to be a case of 'steady as she goes’, Jackman feels that there’s still room for a couple of new faces.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, he said: "Ben Murphy has been really catching the eye down in Connacht since his move over the summer from Leinster. There was a lot of people thought he may have got in in November as one of those training players, but Farrell decided against it.
"Since then, his form has continued to impress and he was excellent at the weekend against Lyon scoring a hat-trick. So, he's somebody who's putting his hand up.
"Nathan Doak has got a lot of experience for such a young player. He had an excellent game against Ulster over Christmas, so maybe it's his time.
"But then there's the more experienced guys, the likes of Caolin Blade and John Cooney who have been in Irish squads before.
"Cooney hasn't been there for a long time, despite having some very strong form for Ulster. So maybe his face doesn't fit. But Caolin Blade has never let Ireland down. Unfortunately for him, he seems to be a little bit behind Murphy now.
"If Easterby wants to go for experience, then the likes of Blade or, or John Cooney potentially will come into it.
"Conor Murray played last weekend and played very well for Munster. That's a big boost, obviously, because I think everyone would agree that Jamison Gibson-Park is clearly number one. But it looks like Murray's in good fettle to step in if needed."
Easterby’s biggest team selection call appears to be at 10 where Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast are battling it out to start against England.
Prendergast was preferred by Farrell in the November series and further enhanced his growing reputation with a sterling display for Leinster in their 16-14 win over La Rochelle at the weekend.
Jackman feels that Prendergast’s form, along with his familiarity with Ireland’s Leinster players, gives him the edge.
"I think Sam Prendergast has momentum [at 10]," he said. "Obviously, he's now Leinster’s starting 10 and Leinster are going well.
"He's obviously able to build a relationship with Robbie Henshaw, with Garry Ringrose with Gibson-Park, more importantly.
"Jack Crowley had a difficult period with losing his place to Prendergast for Ireland in November and Munster's form being up and down.
"But since Graeme Rowntree left Munster, their results have been certainly better. I thought Crowley had a great game at the weekend against a decent Saracens side and was very important in Munster's victory.
"He's a super talent and a great competitor, and we have to take into account as well that whoever plays 10 for Leinster, is playing on the front foot all the time. It's certainly an easier ride than playing 10 for Munster at the moment.
"I think Sam will start, but I would have no issue with either of them to be honest. I think we're very fortunate with two standing tens now, both of a great age profile as well."
