How is it safe for an out half or centre, with 70 minutes of game time behind him, to have to tackle a fresh rampaging behemoth stationed in midfield off a line out, ready to explode down his channel?

Ireland's biggest problem against South Africa was a failure to get to grips with the destructive power of their scrum. And this was Springbok scrum with Ox Nche. 

South Africa arrive in Dublin armed with power, insight and motivation, leaving Ireland’s leaders and playmakers under intense pressure to respond

By all accounts, Farrell’s calm and relaxed demeanour in front of the media this week has been in marked contrast to his approach behind doors

Ireland’s stuttering lineout and inconsistent attack have left opponents circling, with Australia now poised to expose any lingering weaknesses

Rassie Erasmus's world champions laid down a marker against France last weekend. They'll head for Dublin next week.

Will Andy Farrell need to shake up his frontline for bigger tests ahead?

Ireland’s issues at out-half and up front were laid bare in Chicago, while New Zealand, South Africa, England and France continue to evolve. Ireland’s progress has stalled

An undercooked Ireland ran out of gas against an All Blacks side who were there for the taking. 

A Corkman’s chance encounter helped bring New Zealand’s Barrett family to Ireland — a story that still links both rugby nations