Scaling Schmidt heights will take time, but Farrell needs statement of intent

For all the elements that make up this brave new world for Andy Farrell and the Ireland team as they head into the 2020 Guinness Six Nations, it is one of the fundamental lessons from the disappointments of 2019 that will register the strongest on matchday one.

There may be a new man at the helm with a revamped coaching staff, working out of a sparkling and freshly-minted training base. There are Test debutants to boot when Ireland take the field at the Aviva Stadium this evening and World Rugby issued a reminder this week that there is a fresh focus on securing a favourable world ranking for the end of this year’s seeding allocation for the 2023 World Cup draw.