Tadhg Furlong departed Leinster's game against Montpellier on Sunday with a foot/calf injury. Ireland play Wales in the opening round of the Six Nations.
The first round of Six Nations games is in three weeks.
Tadhg Furlong departed Leinster's game against Montpellier three minutes in with a foot or calf injury. The extent of the injury remains unknown as of now, but it's a reminder of the fragility of Ireland's chances. For all the focus on Johnathan Sexton's importance to Ireland, Furlong is the player Ireland can't replace.
Andy Farrell reinvigorated the Irish rugby fan's mindset during the November internationals. Beating New Zealand was big, but it was the way in which Ireland played in each game that energized the fanbase.
Furlong was central to everything Ireland did. He was rock solid in the scrum. He was a man mountain in defence. And he made defenders miss in space like a winger. Furlong is at his best in the biggest games, so you always anticipate him being at his best during the Six Nations.
Without him, Ireland must look to their lesser options. Andrew Porter is Ireland's second best tighthead prop. But he's Ireland's best loosehead prop.
By bringing Porter across the face of the hooker, Ireland could reinsert longtime starter Cian Healy at loosehead. Moving Porter around like that likely won't help his consistency. He's in the prime of his career and should be left in one role regardless of Furlong's availability.
Finlay Bealham was Furlong's backup against New Zealand. He's a 30-year-old, proven international who starts each week for Connacht. Bealham will bring scrum solidity and fit into the team without detracting from the defence, but he cannot match the dynamism that Furlong offers.
Tom O'Toole and Marty Moore are also options. O'Toole made his debut in the autumn, so he would likely be the preferred option for Farrell.
No matter who would replace an injured Furlong, there would be a dramatic change to the team.
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