Japan 2019.

Irish Rugby is in pretty good shape at the moment. After going three from three back in November against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, Ireland rocked up to the Six Nations with plenty of expectation. And boy did they deliver.

An incredible last-gasp winner over in Paris was followed by three bonus-point wins in-a-row against Italy, Wales and Scotland at the Aviva, before Joe Schmidt’s men bullied England off the park at Twickenham.

Leinster and Munster then kept things going domestically, with the latter reaching the semi-finals of the PRO14 and Champions Cup, while the former went on to win both competitions in an unprecedented double.

But are Ireland peaking too soon? I wouldn’t think so. If anything they’re gathering momentum at the perfect time if you ask me. Especially when you look at just how young some of the players in the squad are.

The likes of Dan Leavy, James Ryan, Joey Carbery, Jacob Stockdale and Jordan Larmour are only going to get better between now and Japan. A summer series against Australia, followed by an Autumn Series that includes a Test against the All Blacks, and finally one last Six Nations – if they can come through that with a decent record, then who knows how far this current Ireland team can go?

Everyone can point back to Ireland’s record in the Rugby World Cup (they’ve never gotten further than a quarter final), but that means nothing as far as I’m concerned. That won’t bother these young lads. Nor will it bother the experienced heads.

This current Ireland team is all about approaching each game one at a time and we’ve never seen a squad like this – based on quality and depth. That being said, here’s what we think Ireland’s strongest XV might look like come Japan 2019.

15. Jordan Larmour
Rob Kearney ain’t getting any younger. The veteran may have had one of his best campaigns in recent memory this season, but if Larmour keeps excelling at his current rate, he will likely usurp the British & Irish Lion.

14. Keith Earls
The Moyross man is playing some of the best rugby of his career at the moment and will hopefully kick on. Another good season under his belt next year and Earls will pose a problem for any winger on the world stage.

13. Garry Ringrose
Had a rough season with injury, but showed his class when he came back in for the final two rounds of the Six Nations. A mercurial talent, it’s frightening to think just how good he might be in another 12 or so months.

12. Robbie Henshaw
His form this season before and after his injury has been a joy to watch. Another guy who’s finding his feet and excelling at the perfect time – right towards the end of a World Cup cycle.

11. Jacob Stockdale
Another youngster who will only get better between now and Japan. If he continues at his current rate he will be one of the world’s best wingers in under 12 months.

10. Johnny Sexton
The veteran of the side, he appears to have finally gotten over his injury problems and boy has his form been good. He needs to be managed between now Japan in order to make sure he’s fit and raring to go. Sexton is arguably Ireland’s most important player right now.

9. Conor Murray
By his standards didn’t have a great season provincially, but was incredible throughout Ireland’s Six Nations campaign. Another guy that needs to be managed between now and the Rugby World Cup.

1. Cian Healy
This will be a tight call. Jack McGrath was clearly not himself off the back of the Lions tour after a gruelling season and Healy took his chance. Expect the pair to battle it out next season. Who starts come Japan is anybody’s call.

2. Sean Cronin
Rory Best will be 37 by the time Japan rolls around. He’s struggled with injury this season and the body might just not hold up. We could see the roles reversed with Best coming off the bench and Cronin starting.

3. Tadhg Furlong
Arguably the best tighthead in the world right now. He has improved consistently for the last three or so years and will likely continue to do so. Basically – Furlong will likely be even better next year. A scary thought.

4. Tadhg Beirne
There’s just no way this man isn’t going to take his chance. Alongside James Ryan, he’s been one of the best locks in Europe this season. A monster over the ball, an incredible work rate and an innate desire to reach the very top. This man is going to destroy Test rugby.

5. James Ryan
A 21-year-old freak of nature. Has been nothing short of incredible this season and is a future Ireland and potentially Lions captain. My god what a partnership him and Byrne could form.

6. Peter O’Mahony
If Best doesn’t make it, O’Mahony could very well captain the side, with perhaps Johnny Sexton his only rival to the armband. His work rate and what he offers at lineout time is so important to Ireland. But he could have a battle on his hands with Sean O’Brien if he’s fit.

7. Dan Leavy
As I said above – Sean O’Brien may make it back into the squad if fit, but there’s no way he’s getting Leavy’s jersey. He has been that good. A classic seven, with incredible pace, strength and tenacity – you name it.

8. CJ Stander
The Munster and Lions star has been one of Ireland’s most consistent players ever since he debuted in the 2016 Six Nations. Wears down defences with his freakish ball-carrying ability, leaving the likes of Dan Leavy free to take advantage of wore down defences.