Countdown to 6 Nations kick off

The answer to the question of whether Irish coach Eddie O' Sullivan has managed to do enough to rejuvenate his squad following the widespread disappointment at the Rugby World Cup performance isn't too far away.

The last time Ireland played Italy in the Six Nations his side were within touching distance of the championship title.

The 51-24 victory in Rome generated plenty optimism and about Ireland's Rugby World Cup potential which the squad failed to live up to.

Hence Irish Captain Brian O'Driscoll is anxious to be involved in a performance today that erases the nightmares experienced by the way our summer challenge withered on the continent.

How Munster's players manage to pull off big results in their European Cup campaign against all the odds but sometimes fail to display the same spirit when they line out for their national side has long bewildered many supporters but on this occasion Denis Leamy believes the provincial success this season will be something that should rub off this weekend.