Never has there been more intrigue over an Ireland "A" game. Never has there been two stronger teams named for an apparent "friendly". Never has it been harder to 2nd guess what Ireland's starting XV will be for the Six Nations opener.
Joe Schmidt's selection for the Wolfhounds opens the door for a lot of wondering. Usually being sent to the Wolfhounds has a ring of being cast aside from immediate plans, but Schmidt appears to be looking at a number of players with an eye to using them this Six Nations.
Sean O'Brien is the main contender for promotion. This game will be a real litmus test for O'Brien. If it's obvious that O'Brien is busy during the game then he'll look as if he's ready for Italy. If not, he'll be sent to Leinster to get his match fitness. With Ireland's midfield defense consisting of Ian Madigan, Gordon D'Arcy and Keith Earls; O'Brien will need to be off the side of the scrum quickly to take down the likes of Sam Burgess, Dave Ewers and Thomas Waldrom who are all incredibly physical ball carriers.
The Midfield themselves will be hoping to impress for further inclusions. Is Gordon D'Arcy getting match fitness after losing his Leinster place for the last two weeks like Mike Ross? Or is the plan to shift Robbie Henshaw inside to renew his partnership with Jared Payne?
Can Keith Earls prove he can defend the 13 channel against the agile Elliot Daly and machine that is Sam Burgess? Or will he show that he should solely be considered as a winger at international level? Speaking of 13, will Luke Fitzgerald get gametime at outside centre, or is his international future solely on the wing.
It seems like every position in the backline for Ireland has question marks. Only Rob Kearney and Tommy Bowe are safe to start against Italy, with Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton also the first choice, when they are eventually available.
Ian Madigan is one of two options to Schmidt to start at outhalf for Italy in Sexton's place. But the non-selection of Ian Keatley is another question mark. Is Madigan being given a reconnaissance time at outhalf, or is Ian Keatley being saved for Italy?
Similarly, Kieran Marmion's selection would make it appear that one or other of Conor Murray or Eoin Reddan will be fit enough in time for Italy. Or does it mean that Joe will apply a tactic seen for many years at Leinster - which is start his more physical scrumhalf against a physical team away from home - Isaac Boss?
Alternatively, is the selection pairing of Kieran Marmion and Ian Madigan together there to give them time as a partnership before starting both against Italy. It's all very confusing.
The pack has less questions. Jack McGrath will certainly start at loosehead, while Rory Best, Devin Toner and Paul O'Connell are also in the first XV. Iain Henderson will be looking to make a case for being on the bench for Italy with another big performance.
Jack Conan and Dominic Ryan have been rewarded for provincial form, but with Peter O'Mahony and Jamie Heaslip are both healthy it seems unlikely either will be dropped. Conan is the type of player this game was originally made for, and his progress in the next 18 months will be one to watch.
If ever there was an A game worth watching for many reasons, it's this one.
Photo Credit Stephen McCarthy/SPORTSFILE
