BERNARD JACKMAN: If Ross stays fit, Ireland win

The week of a Six Nations game invariably relies upon the perceived area of greatest weakness in the opposition for lively debate. When Ireland and England go through that process, you can be sure the scrum comes up for mention.

In Twickenham last February, the lack of tight head cover was exposed when Mike Ross had to leave the field in the 36th minute and Tom Court was shoehorned into a position he isn’t comfortable in. England destroyed the Irish set-piece and won the game 30-9.

All but three of England’s points came directly from the scrum.