Like the French in Cardiff, Ireland will be better for coming through such a serious test

Ireland have only lost once - to France - in their last 11 games played since developing a more high tempo, wide attacking game, predicated on keeping the ball alive in the tackle and utilizing two distinct lines of attack with a number of key forwards now comfortable acting as an attacking pivot.

Many is the time I climbed into a Dublin taxi for the driver to ask the question. You could see it coming. “Do you mind if I ask you a question. Who do you prefer playing with, Ward or Campbell?”

I’ve a neighbour who loves watching rugby on the television but is often confused by the eccentricity of the laws.

One of Andy Farrell’s targets is to increase Ireland strength in depth without compromising results which is exactly what he has achieved in the back three in particular

Ireland have a really competitive pack at present but need more depth at prop and second row, to be able to compete with the likes of South Africa, New Zealand, France and England at the knockout phase of a World Cup.

Now we know. Ireland are a very good side but, at the moment, France are just that little bit better. The challenge for Andy Farrell and his management team is to close that gap between now and the World Cup in 19 months’ time.

Key talking points for Saturday's pivotal Six Nations contest at the Stade de France

A force of nature in so many ways, Tom Kiernan - Tommy, TJ or the Silver Fox as he was affectionately known by so many in his inner sanctum - was a truly remarkable character.

It says everything about the difference in quality between the old Six Nations rivals at Lansdowne Road on Saturday that, despite the 22-point winning margin, Ireland could and should have handed out a greater beating to Wales