From the moment the final whistle blew in Murrayfield, Ireland’s trip to face Italy took on a different complexion.

The most pressing issue that needs to be addressed before travelling to Rome is the ease with which Ireland concede metres on the outside, writes Donal Lenihan.

If the last eight months have borne witness to some outstanding achievements for Irish rugby on the international front, the fact that those magnificent test victories over South Africa, New Zealand and Australia has fed into the revival of Munster and Leinster in Europe is equally satisfying.