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

Focus turns to Murrayfield after an impressive second-half performance against England.

Ireland start their campaign with a potential banana skin against an England side under Steve Borthwick still in search of a clear identity.

Let's hope Rome will provide the fitting backdrop for Ireland and the prospect of an unprecedented three Six Nations crowns in a row at the city’s Stadio Olimpico on St. Patrick’s weekend

Nobody likes being beaten but the manner in which Munster stayed in the fight against a creative Northampton attack showed, once again, that what they lack in star quality is made up for by sheer grit, work-rate and determination.

I’ll be tuning in from the bowels of the stadium to events at Franklins Gardens, hoping that Munster can build on the momentum generated from last weekend’s pivotal win. Franklin's Gardens will tell us a lot.

Miraculously, both Leinster and Munster found a way to prevail this weekend

If South African teams opt out of the Champions Cup, a swift return to a 20-team format with home-and-away pool games and direct quarter-final progression would be ideal