Wales will be the litmus test of Ireland’s progress, according to Rory Best

Ireland captain Rory Best believes tonight’s Six Nations showdown with Wales will be the litmus test of his side’s progress over the last six months.

The Irish reached the penultimate round of the championship still chasing a third title in four seasons and with a potentially decisive showdown with England back in Dublin on March 18.

Yet the opening-round defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield on February 4 has left Ireland effectively playing knockout rugby game by game just to stay on the coat-tails of the still unbeaten English.