DONAL LENIHAN: Heaslip must rethink approach as leader

Here we are, just short of three weeks since that must win opening game against Wales in the Six Nations and once again Ireland face more of the same — another can’t lose contest.

It appears ever thus in the reign of Declan Kidney.

Back in November it manifested itself in that crucial top eight IRB ranking game against Argentina just prior to the 2015 World Cup pool draw and right now Ireland face another backs-to-the-wall encounter against Scotland, a game which appeared reasonably straightforward a few weeks ago.