How ironic that a decision by the Welsh Rugby Union to swell their coffers by adding an additional fixture to their schedule could now end up costing them a fortune.

At last, something positive and heartwarming to savour.

Set-piece dominance

If we are feeling a little vulnerable and insecure after five consecutive Test defeats, just put yourself in the boots of the Welsh Grand Slam squad for a brief moment.

Almost single-handedly, they salvaged the wreckage that was the 2007 World Cup in France.

A. Paddy Jackson

AT least we were spared the usual platitudes that opposing international coaches have heaped on successive Irish teams over the years, praising our passion and commitment in defeat.

England tried it before imploding spectacularly at the 2011 World Cup and now Ireland have followed suit.

The three key battles that will decide the Guinness Series opener

It’s hard to believe that four years have passed since Declan Kidney was handed the poisoned chalice of having to beat Argentina to retain a top-eight IRB seeding a few weeks prior to the 2011 World Cup pool draw.