Heaslip has been on the periphery of the Ireland team for a couple of years now and was unlucky not to get a World Cup call.
Undaunted, the 24-year-old Israeli-born number eight has been an inspiration for Leinster this season with his powerful surges from the base of the scrum and big hits.
Denis Leamy is the man in possession for Ireland at present but do not be surprised if Heaslip, a try scorer for Leinster against the Ospreys on Saturday, gets his first Six Nations start against Italy.
Our verdict: HOT STUFF
606: Who's hot, who's not?
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