The fixture, likely to be on June 7 or 8, will be the first friendly meeting between the nations for 30 years.

A friendly against the Asian Cup heroes would be a good idea.

"It's nice when people are able to be upfront and tell you exactly how they're feeling so you can help them, there's no point not saying anything."

Constant improvement was the head coach’s theme after he had watched Ireland catch France asleep at the wheel.

World Cup winning defender Lisandro Martinez turning in a brilliant performance on his fourth game back from injury before picking up a worrying knee problem.

From Marseille to Cork on a hectic weekend of rugby that set up tantalising prospects for the future.

The sight of Agwi and O’Hoisin being swamped by youngsters looking for selfies and signatures was in itself a snapshot of the potential the sport has. 

It is a strategy for future campaigns also and Graham Rowntree agreed there was potential for an annual game at Pairc Ui Chaoimh games during the Six Nations window.

Andy Farrell’s side are favourites to retain title after beating France, but England and Scotland have home games to build momentum

Reaction in France to Friday's 38-17 loss has been swift and damning: 'The Irish players imposed their mastery, their drive and their determination on a bland and disorientated France side on the verge of depression'

Munster edged out the Crusaders on Leeside on Saturday night.

The Six Nations champions started their title defence with an impressive victory in Marseille.

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England were outscored 3-2 on the try count and were outplayed in the first half.

Italy had led at half-time.

The Austrians boasted former world number three Dominic Thiem and current number 40 Sebastian Ofner for the opening pair of singles games and both ultimately proved too strong for Michael Agwi and Osgar O’Hoisin respectively.

The 22-year-old looked more like a 50-cap Test veteran than a guy making his Six Nations debut as he put in a man-of-the-match performance.

Andy Farrell’s reigning Grand Slam champions made a statement of intent in Marseille.

With City not playing until Monday Liverpool could extend the current five-point gap with victory at third-placed Arsenal.

A devastating performance in Marseille showed Andy Farrell’s side are looking to the future not dwelling on the painful past