Ireland ready for their moment of truth

As is so often the case, it is a simple plan that has brought Ireland to the brink of a Six Nations title.

Now all Joe Schmidt’s players have to do is implement it just once more and they will deliver a trophy to their new coach at the first time of asking.

The plan which has served them so well to this point with wins over Scotland, Wales and Italy and just one, narrow defeat to England, is based upon getting the basics right, not giving the ball away, staying on the right side of the referee and executing one’s role efficiently.