Pressure on to hit the ground running

For the second year in a row, Ireland must start their RBS 6 Nations campaign against Wales but the dismal beginnings that have blighted Declan Kidney’s side over numerous Test series cannot be allowed to continue at the Millennium Stadium this afternoon.
Anything other than a fast start from Ireland against the champions will have far-reaching consequences because a fourth consecutive loss to the Welsh would not only end dreams of a Grand Slam to repeat the now fading glory of 2009 but also a Triple Crown and possibly even the title.