Cian Tracey

underage it's quite a curious scenario because it's not something that Ulster have been keen to go down the road of they see him primarily as a tight head but it was John Fogarty the Ireland scrum coach a couple of years ago who broached the subject with him because we're seeing it more and more like look at the South African props guys you can switch across now he's done it in the last two games off the bench

worth pointing out that Jeremy Lachman misses out this weekend through injury so that's obviously put him into the starting role and he's done quite well he helped lock out the scrum against Italy I know there was a couple of issues in the scrum against Italy but it's a big opportunity for Tom O'Toole because if he wants to get into the World Cup squad again we're looking further down the line I think if he can play both sides of the scrum that is going to be a massive plus in his favour and

Also, quick point, Joe, on Ulster.

This corresponding fixture last year in Cardiff, if people remember, Ulster didn't have a single player in the matchday 23.

It was a big talking point at the time.

They now have seven in the matchday 23 in the space of a year.

It's quite remarkable, really, and it's testament to the job that Richie Murphy and his coaches are doing up north there.

I would say it's all of the above.

And also Tom Farrell was one of 11 players sent back to play URC last weekend and was probably Munster's best player.

And he has done very well every time, the few times that he's been called upon to play for Ireland.

And again, I go back to that sort of man management piece that I think this is very smart by Andy Farrell to give Tom Farrell his opportunity.

He's been in holding tackle bags for the first few weeks of Six Nations camp.

You'd imagine he's obviously training well if he's getting his opportunity.

And it does probably send out another little message to Bundy Ackie.

Again, if we're talking about a potential Triple Crown showdown next weekend, and if Andy Farrell does go to 5-3 split, I wouldn't be surprised if Bundy Ackie is recalled.

He's still very much firmly part of Andy Farrell's plans, despite the sort of uncertainty about his future.

For all he did very well off the bench against England, albeit it wasn't a 10 he played.

I think he came on actually on a 13.

And he does offer you that versatility, which Farrell clearly values.

And look, he's a guy who's obviously desperate for a game time in the number 10 position.