O'Sullivan has opportunity to explore options

November internationals: The context of Ireland's upcoming November Test series has been altered slightly by next year's Rugby World Cup in France. It's not that winning the Test matches against South Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islands isn't important, but for Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan there has to be a subtle shift in emphasis.

A primary goal, given the right set of circumstances, is to evaluate the strength in depth of the squad and provide a playing opportunity for as many players as possible without compromising the chances of winning each Test.

O'Sullivan pointed out there will be no chance to experiment in the Six Nations Championship, so this upcoming series of matches will provide him with an opportunity to look at different combinations in a competitive environment.

"It's probably a little bit different from previous autumns because (then) you'd try and go out to win three matches. We still do want to do that but I have to say this time round I am keeping one eye on the Rugby World Cup.

"It's less than a year away and considering there's a little more depth in the squad, certainly in some positions, as well as a few new faces, I would like to try and use the three games to get more people on the pitch.

"Having said that, I am not going out with the view that it's an experiment. It's not. I want to try and win three Test games.

"The first game will tell us a big story (in terms of) how we are. All I'm hoping is that there will be room for manoeuvre over the three games in terms of selection."

The first assignment is a clash with Jake White's Springboks on Saturday week.

The South African coach has decided to rest several frontline players, leaving them at home, and instead bring some promising younger players complemented by an experienced core.

O'Sullivan admitted: "We've seen all their lads play in the Currie Cup or the Super 14. It's not exactly the South African team that we expected, but at the same time there's enough depth in South African rugby that it's not going to be much different in terms of intensity and the pressure they bring to bear.

"They got caught a bit the last time round, two years ago. They won't want to get caught again. There'll be no surprise element for us like there might have been then. They came in as Tri-Nations champions and we got them up first and managed to get a result. I think they'll be very wary this time round and I'm not expecting any favours."

O'Sullivan identified the areas he feels offer the latitude to experiment a little.

"We have a little bit of depth in the back row. There are a lot of guys who are good enough to be here but because of selection you can't get them all in.

"In the front row we need to build a bit of depth. Some guys have played well in the Heineken and there might be a chance to give guys a run there.

"I would like to look at a couple of options in the backs. I don't want to go down that road completely. I'd like to see how the first game goes.

"That'll be a good indicator of where we are. I'm not totally sure yet how far we'll push that boat out yet. It's something I'd like to do over the three weeks because come the Six Nations we won't be doing that; we'll be putting the best team on the pitch every week for the Six Nations and we've always said that. There's a couple of areas where there was a bit of latitude."

Traditionally the Test matches at this time of the year have incorporated one match in which the Irish team wouldn't have to face one of world rugby's elite six.

The addition of the composite Pacific Islands team to this month's schedule removes that luxury. O'Sullivan agreed.

"If we play Fiji, Tonga or Samoa in the autumn you'd always give them due respect as a team that can cause you a lot of problems. When you put the three countries together, it's not an easy day.

"Before, that 'easier' game - for want of a better word - has always been in the middle (of the schedule) and you've had a chance to rotate guys.

"The way it stacks now, you have two very tough games up first and we know that the Pacific Islands are also going to be tough. We haven't seen much of them yet but come three weeks' time we'll have a fair idea of what they're about.

"It's shaping up, building well. There are always a few areas you'd like more cover in.

"Over the year we have got a lot further down the track than we were and some of that was painful, but it has benefited us in the long run."

The Ireland match 22 for the game against the Springboks will be announced tomorrow, when those not needed will be released to their provinces for Magners League duty at the weekend.