This is a final we will win

Playing for Ireland meant regular Triple Crowns, Six Nations showdowns and even a Grand Slam for players during the Noughties. Silverware and magical days became so regular that supporters became blasé about them.

But for the players who joined the Ireland set-up since the 2009 Grand Slam there hasn’t been too much to shout about. They’re the forgotten bunch, the ones who have left the big games behind them and every time they look at their more stayed team-mates’ CVs it reminds them what they’ve missed out on. That’s why tomorrow’s joust with France in the Stade de France means so much to Conor Murray.

“It would be huge. We’re a competitive bunch of players,” he said. “It’s a final and if we lose out on a trophy, it will be bitterly disappointing. But we have performed well and we’ve been getting better and better each game. I don’t want to even start talking about losing and where we are as a team. This is a final we’re playing in, and we’re going to win.