I'm not convinced that Bowe has what it takes to become an international centre. The Ospreys have flirter with him at 13, but he's always ended up back on the wing. He's certainly not a 12 imo, as he simply doesn't have the distribution for the role. I think his best position is at wing, and for that reason I'd leave him there. He's a good finisher, and works best when he can roam the field picking when and where to enter the line.
I think Ireland would be better off introducing a young 12. Someone like McFadden who I've been impressed with when given a chance. The problem there is whether or not Leinster are going to give him a run of games first, or if they're gonna continue with a D'Arcy - O'Driscoll partnership for another year or two.
As for the backrow. I'm not sure anything needs to change there. It's all well and good saying 'we need a proper 7 like Warburton or Pocock', but at the end of the day there are probably only 4 opensides in the world at or around that level in Warburton, Pocock, McCaw and Brussow. It was obvious to many that Warburton was something special from a young age, is there genuinely someone like that coming through the Irish ranks? If people think Ryan could be decent, maybe he should be tried. Overall though, a backrow of Ferris, O'Brien and Heaslip is still very good, possibly not the most balanced with the three being quite similar, but if each can do their part then it could work very well. That backrow will still be better than most, and I'm sure it would come out on top against the Welsh backrow on occasion.
I don't see the point of retaining DOC, so bring someone in for him, but O'Connell still has plenty to give until someone genuinely overtaked him. There seems to be a few young hookers that Ireland can bring in, so get them in asap. Ross should and will continue at 3, he's a great tighthead and has a couple more years left in him probably. Just slowly introduce someone behind him and that should be ok.
Other than that, there should be youngsters coming in as backup and being slowly introduced. They should be learning their trade off the best and the likes of POC and BOD some of the best ever. Despite O'Gara's form being generally good lately, it's now time to give Sexton the shirt and stick with him.
