Ireland desperate to stay on Six Nations title tightrope

Ireland put their Six Nations credentials under the microscope tonight knowing that for all the familiarity of their Welsh foes, the challenge they face will be far from predictable.

Beneath the roof and the glare of the Principality Stadium’s lights tonight, and facing into the febrile atmosphere of a Cardiff crowd desperate for a first home victory of 2017, the championship hopefuls in green can expect a root and branch examination of their status as title contenders.

Wales, after a sluggish opening-round win over Italy, may be on their uppers, having lost to England here in round two and then Scotland at Murrayfield, but the last time Ireland came here in this situation, with three wins from three in the penultimate round of the 2015 RBS 6 Nations, Joe Schmidt’s men were found wanting.