Ireland need high tempo response to Paris puzzle

IF a week is a long time in politics then it can be a lifetime in professional sport.

Sunday’s Six Nations clash between Ireland and Wales is not only pivotal to both sides continuing their challenge for the championship - it will also shape their agendas for the remaining two games.

The departure of Welsh Grand Slam winning coach Mike Ruddock and the circumstances surrounding his exit have created shock waves in the valleys over the last week. In a country where the mood of the people can be gauged by the performance of the national rugby team, serious questions are being asked of the role of the players and the Welsh Rugby Union in Ruddock’s demise.