Physiotherapist and former Leinster fly-half Andy Dunne believes that Tadhg Furlong won't be starting against Scotland, as he believes the hamstring injury he suffered in Ireland's win over Italy will mean the Wexford man will have to settle for a place on the bench.
Speaking to OTB AM's Ger Gilroy and Eoin Sheehan, Dunne said that Furlong's hamstring injury would usually take three weeks to recover. He believes Ireland would be better served being cautious with the prop, instead starting Andrew Porter again to make sure Furlong is fit for the final match of the Six Nations, when Ireland travel to Twickenham to face England.
"I'd be surprised if Furlong starts, because even if it's described as a Grade One hamstring injury the kind of tissue healing times for that type of injury is usually about 21 days at a minimum, and that's just arriving at around the Scottish game. I would operate more conservatively and maybe put him on the bench and bring him on".
"Porter obviously came through a stern test and did pretty well. I'd err on the side of caution and probably protect Furlong that bit more. Obviously it's not my call, but as a physiotherapist even a club player who's getting regular physio, tissue healing times are what they are. You can't cheat mother nature".
"If you've got a hamstring Grade One tear, I'd be amazed if he comes straight back into the starting lineup".
Dunne also feels that Garry Ringrose will be the favourite to start in the no.13 shirt following Chris Farrell's training ground injury, despite the Leinster centre only recently returning from injury himself.
"Ringrose is obviously fit and I think it'd be a straight swap selection. Even though he's not aerobically match fit he's certainly not injured, and he got through the Leinster game last week with relative ease".
Surprisingly, Dunne also feels that there could be a change when it comes to the locks, as Iain Henderson returns to fitness. He mooted the idea of dropping James Ryan in favour of starting Henderson and Devin Toner, in a bid to keep Ryan fresh for the trip to England.
"I think what we've done is unearthed a bit of a gem in James Ryan, and much like I think down the line the same will happen with Jordan Larmour. He's being protected a bit. I wouldn't be surprised if James Ryan gets a rest later on in the championship, such as the Scottish game maybe with one eye on the England game and a big impact there".
"I don't see James Ryan suddenly being the incumbent starter for every international game. Obviously Toner has got a lot of experience and Henderson is a British Lion, so it's great that we've unearthed Ryan, I think he's a huge find and a huge addition, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's the one to make way despite how good his performances have been".
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
