When Ireland last fielded their front line troops at the Aviva Stadium, against New Zealand in November, the rapturous response from players and fans alike at the final whistle could not have been more exuberant. Unbridled joy. Kings of the world.

Ireland will heap the pressure on Wales’ rookie loosehead Rob Evans, to see if his scrummaging discipline “turns the other way” on Sunday, according to Greg Feek.

Leinster 9 Northampton 18

Scarlets 31 London Irish 22