Joe Schmidt handed out Test debuts to 14 new players in 2017.
The previous two years have been all about adding to the player pool in advance of the 2019 World Cup. There is no way in hell Schmidt will get caught out in going into must-win World Cup games without a squad of players he feels have experience of playing under his system, and who have been battle-tested.
That being said, Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton are so far ahead of their counterparts that injuries to either would still cause national palpitations.
2017 was all about throwing guys in at the deep end and seeing how they got on. Some did better than most.
Here is how we ranked the Class of 2017.
1. Jacob Stockdale
Ain’t no doubt about it. Number one ranking for the Ulster back and about as emphatic a winner as that tackle of Dillyn Leyds (above).
Scored a try on his Test debut, made one more summer tour outing, scorched the earth for his province and ran in three more tries in his two Guinness Series games. Dead cert to start in the back three during the Six Nations.
2. Andrew Conway
Hard to believe this lad only made his Ireland debut back in March. Did well in that opening bow against England, toured well during the summer and did well on the wing (South Africa) and at fullback (Fiji) last month. Will push both Keith Earls and Rob Kearney for the 14 and 15 jerseys.
3. James Ryan
Made his Ireland debut before his first senior start for Leinster and managed to score a try while he was at it. Got his first start against Argentina and acquitted himself well. Now pushing Devin Toner for a starting spot.
4. Bundee Aki
Took up the role of defensive leader, and enforcer, during his games against South Africa and Argentina. Has more in his attacking locker so we will hopefully get to see more of him next year.
5. Niall Scannell
Made his full Ireland debut against Italy, in February, and tackled like a demon, whilst showing some strength and nous at the breakdown and in the loose. Toured during the summer but missed out on the November internationals after breaking his thumb.
6. Darren Sweetnam
The former Cork hurler did just about everything that was asked of him in his two November outings – looking good in the air and making a number of vital tackles – while bagging a try in his first start, against Fiji.
7. Chris Farrell
Ended up getting two cracks at that outside centre role, after Robbie Henshaw missed the Argentina game. Was solid against Fiji but looked good against Los Pumas before limping out with a second half knee injury.
8. Kieran Treadwell
Rapid rise for the young Ulster lock. Made his debut during the summer tour to America and Japan and came off the bench – calling lineouts for the last quarter – against Fiji.
9. Rory Scannell
Would have ranked much higher as he had a very good summer tour, but Schmidt opted not to select him for the Guinness Series. Doing a good job at 12 for Munster and will surely get another chance for Ireland soon.
10. Adam Byrne
Was a surprise selection for the Argentina game but had a good day on the right wing and looked self-assured. Injury prevented him from kicking on from that game with Leinster but with a few more tweaks, and advice from Schmidt, he could be a long-term option on either wing.
The other four players that made their Ireland bow this year were Andrew Porter, who started against Fiji, and the summer tourist trio of Rory O’Loughlin, John Cooney and Dave Heffernan.
The time for experimenting is almost at an end as the 2018 Six Nations will mark the ramping up of World Cup preparations. Nonetheless, next year should provide an opportunity for up to 10 new caps.
It will be interesting to see how gets No.1 next year. Jordan Larmour or Max Deegan anyone?
