Ireland's preparations for the Nations Championship received a boost with the return of Porter, Baird and Hansen. Head coach Andy Farrell is due to name the squad for Ireland's northern series on Wednesday afternoon. All three are described as returns, giving the coach more established experience to work with. Their availability should give Farrell greater flexibility when he settles the combinations and roles within the squad. The announcement is the next formal step in Ireland's build-up to the northern series. It will also show how the coach intends to balance continuity with fresh selections.