New kids on the block.
There were nods of approval across the island of Ireland when Joe Schmidt called Stuart McCloskey, Josh van der Flier and Ultan Dillane into his Six Nations squad for the opening games against Wales and France.
The Ulster centre, Leinster flanker and Connacht lock have enjoyed sterling seasons thus far and fully merited the promotions from provincial rugby.
CJ Stander’s call-up never seemed in doubt but the Munster captain admits he was never sure until he got the shout telling him he had been included in the 35-man squad.
“You can see by the smile on my face, I’m thrilled,” said Stander. “I won’t be able to get the smile off my face for the next few weeks… I’m excited for the challenge.”
Dillane lined out for Corinthians in the Ulster Bank League earlier this season and is now in line for his Test debut. “It’s a bit surreal, going from one to the other but I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
Meanwhile, young Connacht prop Finlay Bealham, who replaced the injured Marty Moore on Saturday, is just “stoked” to be here.
