Donal Lenihan: Problem-solving and anxiety control are essential tools for progress

With the increasing incidence of red cards around the tackle and clear out - and subsequent suspensions becoming a real threat to player availability - the dynamics around every squad can change overnight

EXPECTATION: ‘The levels of expectation placed on the shoulders of Andy Farrell’s Irish squad has ratcheted to unprecedented levels.’ Pic: Tom Maher/Inpho

The one thing history has taught me, having been involved in all nine World Cups to date in some capacity, is that every event takes on a life of its own.

Ultimately, it normally comes down to not just who has the strongest squad, but which group of players cope best with the swings and roundabouts that inevitably come your way over the course of seven weeks on the road.