FIVE INTO TWO. The dilemma for Joe Schmidt in the second row over the next three weekends.<\/p>\n
James Ryan, Iain Henderson, Devin Toner, Tadhg Beirne and Quinn Roux \u2013 seriously strong options for the Ireland head coach.<\/p>\n
Beirne\u2019s brilliance in Chicago last weekend, when he scored two tries against Italy, makes it an even tougher decision.<\/p>\n
Beirne stretches out for his first try against Italy. Source: Dan Sheridan\/INPHO<\/p>\n
There was much more to Beirne\u2019s game than the scores at Soldier Field, including an important lineout steal, some sharp tackling and his superb ball-carrying off nine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While there weren\u2019t any of his trademark\u00a0turnovers, it was a continuation of the form he has shown for Munster in the Heineken Champions Cup so far this season, as well as the performances that were commonplace in his time at Scarlets before his move back to Ireland.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old remains the least experienced of Schmidt\u2019s second row options at Test level, but he is among the most exciting.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
That said, the proven quality of Toner, Henderson and Ryan on big occasions for Ireland is certainly attractive ahead of the Argentina and All Blacks Tests.<\/p>\n
Connacht man Roux delivered an excellent performance against Italy too and deserves to be included in the debate.<\/p>\n
Beirne\u2019s dynamism and ability to also cover the blindside flank means he has the\u00a0potential to act as an impact replacement for Ireland.<\/p>\n
Whatever role he is to play in the coming weeks, Beirne can reflect on his first start for Ireland last weekend with some pride.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was a little bit nervous going out there,\u201d said Beirne. \u201cBut we started well and to get over for the first try was nice on my behalf.<\/p>\n
Beirne carried superbly for Ireland. Source: Dan Sheridan\/INPHO<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s one of those where Jacob [Stockdale] set the tone by making that linebreak and we fed off that. Unfortunately, for the rest of the half, we didn\u2019t really kick on as we would have liked to.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe weren\u2019t as accurate as we would have wanted and the pace of the game wasn\u2019t where we wanted it to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite those frustrations, Beirne was pleased with Ireland\u2019s lineout work, although he feels their mauling can improve for the Pumas Test.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n