The Irish set up has already named the replacement for Peter O'Mahony after the news broke that he would miss the rest of the World Cup, but who else is left that could be called up to the team?
With injuries to Paul O'Connell, Jared Payne and possibly Jonathan Sexton still to worry about, there could be big changes in the Irish squad this week, so who's in the frame to make the cut?
Dan Tuohy
The Ulster player came off the bench in the first warm up match against Wales, when Ireland looked to be in world beating form. He did his defensive duties very well in the few minutes he got on the pitch, something that will reassure Schmidt that he's dependable when called upon, and is also good in the lineout.
Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Noel Reid
The Leinster centre was one of the first names to be cut from the squad when they started whittling down the names on the list for the final tournament, but could be back in the frame now with Payne out.
Not going to set the world alight when it comes to attacking talent but again, solid in his work rate and defensive responsibilities. He has been seeing 80 minutes on the pitch for Leinster in the absence of their World Cup contingent, so will be ready for match time if called upon.
Andrew Trimble
Probably the only player who could conceivably be in with a chance at starting, Ulster team-mate Tommy Bowe has backed him to step up to the mark and replace the injured Payne.
Image: ©INPHO/Presseye/Darren Kidd
He was very impressive in the opening warm-up game against Wales despite coming off injured, but looks to have recovered from that and recently became the record appearance holder for Ulster, so neither form nor experience would be an issue.
David Kilcoyne
With Cian Healy clearly still struggling with his injury, Schmidt may take the chance to bring in some extra insurance in that position. Kilcoyne featured in the warm-up games and was strong in the scrum, which will give the Ireland coach confidence that he would be ready for the tournament proper and not require much bedding-in time.
Kieran Marmion
Admittedly a wild card here, but with Sexton's condition still unclear (at time of writing), the need for a specialised scrum half becomes more of a concern.
Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Madigan's slot as third in that list is obviously not an option if he ends up being the starting fly half. Marmion has also been among the tries since being cut from the provisional squad by Schmidt, so the Connacht man is playing like he has a point to prove too.
Ian Keatley
If Sexton is ruled out, Schmidt may well prefer having cover at 10 than at 9, which might point him in the direction of Ian Keatley. His wobbly form at the end of last season is definitely a worry, and the fact that he wasn't called into the provisional 45-man squad despite featuring in the Six Nations campaign is perhaps telling.
However, decent performances to start this season, including a strong display against Glasgow Warriors this month, will have done his chances no harm.
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