Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan says there is "confidence" in the players still available for Thursday's opening Six Nations match against France in Paris.
Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan says there is "confidence" in the players still available for Thursday's opening Six Nations match against France in Paris (20:10 GMT).
Head coach Andy Farrell named his team for the game on Tuesday morning and is without several usual starters through injury.
Tadhg Furlong, Hugo Keenan, Ryan Baird and Mack Hansen are all out through injury, while Bundee Aki is suspended.
Perhaps most problematic is the absence of not just usual loose-head Andrew Porter but also his two primary back-ups in Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle.
In their place, Jeremy Loughman will win a first cap since the 2024 Six Nations, with his Munster colleague Michael Milne providing cover from the bench.
"We have confidence in the people we have," said Sheehan.
"We have done a good job of building some good depth over the years and we have got some loose-heads that have caps.
"Some teams would struggle [with the injuries] but I think we have good depth and people to come in. I don't think much has changed and there has been no sense of panic."
Despite concerns over front row depth with Ireland down their three first-choice loose-heads, and starting tight-head Tadhg Furlong missing at least the opener, Sheehan's own position of hooker is one where Farrell has an enviable set of options.
Sheehan will start ahead of his Leinster team-mate Ronan Kelleher in Paris with Ulster's Tom Stewart also having impressed for Ulster this year.
"We have some top-quality young hookers across the provinces now," Sheehan continued.
"If you look at a few years ago, maybe people said there was a shortage, but I think all the provinces are producing quality hookers and that drives everyone on."
The past four editions of the Six Nations have been won by either Ireland or Les Bleus. Farrell's side haven't won against Thursday's hosts at the Stade de France since 2018, although did beat Scotland and South Africa at the ground during the 2023 World Cup.
"When people ask "where is your favourite away stadium?", it is the Stade de France, it is a great atmosphere," Sheehan added.
"The Six Nations is always so special, it is always the best two months of the year.
"[The start of the year can be] some boring months, but it always gives people a lift and us a lift. Everyone is buzzing to get going now."
Category: General Sports
