Donal Lenihan offers a fascinating tactical insight into the three key areas that will influence today's Six Nations clash at Croke Park.

THE SIX NATIONS moves into its final phase over the next two weekends but France could all but wrap up the championship this weekend with a comprehensive win over Italy in Paris.

THERE IS no greater remedy for a heavy defeat than going out and winning your next game. More often than not at club level, players and management have that opportunity on a weekly basis. That is not always the case on the international stage, thus disappointment and frustration tend to linger that bit longer.

THIS Irish rugby squad is fast becoming a victim of its own success with expectation levels at home at an all time high coming into this year’s Six Nations. We have also become a treasured scalp for even the top teams. Nothing illustrated this more than the sight of a French side doing a lap of honour after beating Ireland in Paris.

IT’S so long since Ireland lost a game that one had forgotten how bad it feels. Those once familiar pictures of dejected figures in green jerseys at the final whistle had almost faded into sepia-tone. It was inevitable that a reality check would come at some stage and the fact that it occurred in Paris shouldn’t come as a surprise.

WHEN the rival brass bands from various rugby regions of southern France are playing in unison after only 25 minutes, you know you’re in serious trouble.

IF DECLAN KIDNEY is keen to present fresh challenges to his high-achieving national squad, then Saturday’s crunch clash against France fits the bill perfectly. With just a solitary win in the French capital in the past 38 years, conquering the Stade de France this weekend is a potential fast-track to glory.

WE’RE spoiled. After the drama and excitement of the race to reach the last eight of the Heineken Cup, we now have a Six Nations championship to nourish our insatiable appetite for top class rugby.

IT’S 25 years since Ireland entered the RBS Six Nations as reigning champions, and all of 62 years since they defended a Grand Slam.

FOR the Munster players saying their farewells at Thomond Park last Friday night, the scene was reminiscent of classmates leaving boarding school at the end of term. There were handshakes all around as a 12th successive Heineken Cup quarter-final slot was secured.