BOD will want a grandstand Aviva finish, says Schmidt

All eyes may be straining forward towards Paris next month and a possible shot at the RBS Six Nations title, but there will be more than just the one box to tick when Italy come to Dublin seven days earlier.

Claiming the win – and by as wide a margin as possible – will obviously take priority but the day will be remembered come what may as Brian O’Driscoll’s last appearance in a green shirt in his home city.

Adding to the fanfare will be the fact that the veteran centre will break the world record for Test appearances which he now shares with Australia’s George Gregan since his appearance against England last Saturday.