Writing in The Irish Independent, David Kelly joins the debate as to Ireland's best XV.
"We are often told that the success of our provinces is so important to the health of the national team. And, with the leading Irish contenders perched prettily near the top of their Heineken Cup pool tables, in addition to Ulster at least remaining competitive, the gloom embraced by fickle fans merely a week ago should have lifted.
"Why, then, are so many Irish rugby supporters scratching their heads with less than a month to go before the opening autumn international against Australia? Perhaps because somewhere this morning Declan Kidney is also a tad bemused as he assesses the state of the nation following the temporary hibernation of the Heineken Cup.
"Despite Ireland's status as Grand Slam champions, there remains considerable cause for debate about what constitutes its best 15. Although planning for the World Cup 2011 is the main priority for Kidney and the national brains trust, the natural competitor in the Corkman would like to topple both the Aussies and later the South Africans in this year's unofficial world title bout."
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