On a week when Paul O’Connell worked wonders for the reputation of grizzled second-row forwards, another great presence in Munster rugby passed away peacefully after a long period of illness.

After last weekend, the World Cup just can’t come soon enough. 

THE Six Nations championship has never witnessed a day like it. 221 points scored, 27 tries, 12 in that breathtaking game in the tournament finale at Twickenham. It was riveting stuff, writes Donal Linehan.

To avoid the desperation of chasing a score, Ireland need to focus on three key goals at Murrayfield today, says Donal Lenihan.

If the adage that you learn more in defeat holds true on this occasion then this reversal could well serve Ireland’s World Cup cause better in the long run.

Wales have the attributes to turn an Irish strength into a potential weakness. Here are the three key areas of combat. 

In sport it’s always about the next game. 

Sunday’s magnificent win over England ensures Ireland will now have two bites at retaining their Six Nations championship title won in dramatic circumstances in Paris last year. 

In the context of where Irish rugby is heading over the next nine months, this Six Nations triumph was a hugely significant result, writes Donal Linehan.

THE DONAL LENIHAN INTERVIEW