Over the course of eight years and more than a century of appearances for his home province, Simon Zebo quickly realised European rugby was “everything” at Munster.

Ronan O’Gara has revealed his target of one day coaching Ireland, but insists Joe Schmidt’s current crop can bridge the gap to New Zealand and conquer the world this season.

“There seems to be a feeling nobody totally understands what it’s about,” admitted Martin O’Neill ahead of this Nations League tie with Wales in Cardiff.

Ireland’s bid for Grand Slam glory sees them travel to Twickenham on Saturday for their Six Nations finale with England.