So which South Africa will turn up in Dublin?

IT IS somewhat unfortunate that the ongoing saga about the IRFU ticketing policy has overshadowed the return of international rugby to its traditional home in Lansdowne Road.

As least the union had the good grace to admit they got it badly wrong and have addressed the issue. If only our politicians could have adopted a similar approach over the last few years the country might not be in such a parlous state, where the implications of the economic downturn have even impacted on our sporting fortunes.

It is hard to believe that four years have passed since Ireland lined out in its last international in the old stadium against the Pacific Islands in a game that marked the international debuts of Stephen Ferris, Jamie Heaslip and Luke Fitzgerald. A new generation of confident young players have made their name on the international stage, including that trio who have since progressed to play for the Lions and contribute a major role in Ireland’s Grand Slam winning side.