Ireland need to prepare in advance for the physical and psychological impact of France's replacement pack.

If physical presence is a requirement to make an impression in the dressing room these days, the new man won’t be found wanting. Suffice to say, the former Wellington police officer cuts an imposing figure.

We all survived a rocky journey to Welsh capital but with Garry Ringrose sure to pay a heavier price for his red, Ireland's three-in-a-row quest will face one hell of a test against the French

A Triple Crown in the bag despite being well short of their best, the challenge is about to get even bigger with the French arriving in Dublin next up.

With so much emotion floating around the Principality Stadium and a proud rugby nation sure to get behind their team, it’s more important than ever that Simon Easterby establishes a clarity of focus because for Ireland every point matters

The game in Wales has reached crisis point, a far cry from when I was a youngster. Having once reigned supreme, Welsh rugby has reached rock bottom.

If anything highlights the depths to which Welsh rugby has sunk, it's the complete shortage of viable options they have at out-half. 

Ireland’s current strength in depth is quite remarkable given our comparatively small playing base.

From a psychological sporting perspective, Ireland currently dominate Scotland

Rugby has evolved into a 23-man game, where the quality of the bench can determine victory or defeat