Eddie pins hopes on flying start

EDDIE O’SULLIVAN is confident Ireland will launch an RBS 6 Nations title challenge if they make a successful start to the championship.

The Irish face Italy, Wales and Scotland at Lansdowne Road, but their schedule also consists of trips to Paris and Twickenham, so the Grand Slam appears beyond them.

However, O’Sullivan, who names his side for Saturday’s opener against Italy at lunchtime today, believes that by picking up early momentum Ireland could become serious title contenders.