With the pool stage now reduced from six to four games in a revamped format, the margin for error has diminished

From January next players can now represent their country of birth or that of their parents or grandparents, despite having already been capped for another country, provided a period of three years has elapsed since their last international appearance

EPCR have already made it clear that Munster will have to field a team or forfeit their opening game against Wasps on Sunday week

In comparison to the dirge witnessed during the recent Lions test series in South Africa, the autumn series of competitive action across Europe has done the game a great service

With New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa all beaten by northern hemisphere opposition on Saturday, it was left to Ireland to complete a historic rout of the Rugby Championship sides

Donal Lenihan picks out three talking points as Ireland face Argentina, bidding to back up impressive autumn victories over Japan and the All Blacks

These are some of the areas Farrell and Paul O'Connell will now focus on to bring Ireland to the next level. When set in those positions again, Ireland need to show a little more patience, and be more accurate in the way they look after the ball.

The next big step on the road is to try and secure a first ever win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil

Donal Lenihan assesses three key battles that could decide Saturday's meeting between Ireland and New Zealand

Ireland must try to implement their attacking shape on their terms