The jury may remain in session on this Irish team, but Paul O’Connell’s belief in the potential of the national selection has not wavered, even if he accepted yesterday there was room for the graph to shoot upwards.

SO where does the true Ireland lie after a clinical and superbly-drilled performance against an under-strength South Africa?

THE biggest game in the history of Irish rugby and the best team in the world — just two of the cliches we have been hearing all week in the build-up to tomorrow’s RBS Six Nations Championship decider at Lansdowne Road.