With injuries in Ireland's half-back ranks, Gordon D'Arcy's experience could see him make a start in the opening Six Nations match against Italy.
That's according to The Irish Independent's rugby correspondent Ruaidhri O'Connor, who joined Off The Ball on the line to run the rule over the Irish Wolfhounds team that includes the veteran Leinster centre.
"The one thing D'Arcy has going for him is the huge experience that he has, given the problems at half-back with Sexton definitely out and Reddan and Murray in a race to be fit," said O'Connor.
"If Henshaw's playing 13, Joe Schmidt might look to insert that experience in, just to steady the ship. But the form picks at centre means it looks like it's going to be difficult for Gordon D'Arcy."
O'Connor also believes that prop Mike Ross could start in Rome if he has a good showing against the England Saxons, although he tips Nathan White or Marty Moore to be in with a shout of being picked instead.
He also gave his take on the scrum half situation with Kieran Marmion as Conor Murray and Eoin Reddan fight to be fit in time for the Italy match.
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