Ireland 35 Scotland 25: DRIP, drip, drip. One by one the names have been dropping off Joe Schmidt’s tongue throughout this Six Nations campaign. They are the players who represent Ireland’s future and who could well be carrying the nation’s hopes into the 2019 World Cup.

France’s No 8 may be comparatively small, but Louis Picamoles has a habit of humiliating those who underestimate him

Joe Schmidt’s hopes of a grand unveiling of his World Cup squad today were scuppered after his 31-man panel apparently leaked across the media last night.

Paddy Jackson

So the scramble for Ireland survival begins.

“Nobody thinks now about the 2014 Six Nations — except me, of course!” jokes Ulster and Ireland winger Andrew Trimble, at last confirming himself ready, willing and healthy to return to rugby after an injury-ravaged year.

Ireland lock Jack Dwan has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Rugby U20 Championship with a shoulder injury sustained in the final minute of Saturday’s win over Scotland.

It’s been a season almost devoid of moments to savour for Leinster fans, despite today’s presence in Europe’s last eight, so it is hardly stretching the bounds of reason to suggest that yesterday’s team announcement may rank up there among the best days.

England will use ‘template’ of Wales game to curb Aviva fervour.

Ireland’s lateral-thinking coaches will grab any Test-match edge, but Rory Best never expected Les Kiss to dust off a classic 80s board game for an analysis session.

Gone are the days when these A internationals were mere consolation prizes for those who missed out on Test caps. Tonight’s clash of Irish Wolfhounds and English Saxons at Musgrave Park represents a full-blown RBS 6 Nations audition, writes Simon Lewis.

Joe Schmidt is "one of the best coaches in the Test arena" and could lead the Lions in 2017, according to Will Greenwood — who has backed Ireland to win the World Cup.

Rhys Ruddock is relishing another physical battle with Georgia after his starring role as a late-comer to Ireland’s victory over South Africa.

Ireland, 2014 Six Nations champions, are the only nation in the IRB’s top 20 test sides without a men’s Sevens team.

Ireland, 2014 Six Nations champions, and a Parisian win borne of ruthless scoring efficiency.

RBS SIX NATIONS:

Seven tries scored, one conceded. A convincing Ireland win over an Italian side who are better than their Six Nations record this season suggest.

The IRFU and Racing Metro were at loggerheads last night over the extent of Jonathan Sexton’s injury and what role, if any, the player will play in the remainder of the Six Nations.

Jamie Heaslip could be set to turn his back on a lucrative move to French Top 14 club Toulon and sign a new contract with the IRFU that will keep the Ireland and Lions number 8 at Leinster.

Strange how history repeats itself.

HEINEKEN CUP POOL ONE:

It has been described as the most gut-wrenching defeat of a generation — but at least some canny punters were able to celebrate as New Zealand snatched victory at the death last Sunday.

The financial success of this Autumn Series is crucial to the IRFU

Jonathan Sexton has promised Ireland players will do everything possible to ensure Brian O’Driscoll finishes his Test career on a high.