But it gives absolutely no insight as to how those second line players will fare alongside their first choice teammates.
After all, most of those players have been in the Ireland squad for years. He should know what they are capable of.
Most of the players playing today are playing to back up the first squad or to fill holes that may crop up due to injury.
Given our frontloaded pool schedule (Scotland, then Japan, then Russia, then Samoa) and the periods between games:
7 days between Scotland and Japan
5 days between Japan and Russia
7 days between Russia and Samoa
7 days between Samoa and a potential QF
We need players to come in and perform at a level sufficient to win those games, top the pool (or qualify for the QFs at least). We know from previous experiences that injuries happen to key players, so we need some kind of depth in all positions.
While the training thing is a valid point, it's how players perform in match-day settings that's the key.
No point taking 31 players to Japan and only playing 27 or 28 of them. FWIW I reckon a few lads not named in the final squad will be going to Japan on "holidays" as well ... (Not like Paddy Wallace v NZ a few years ago though!)
