Evolution not experimentation must be name of the game for Ireland

MY BALL: Keith Earls wins this high ball ahead of Andrew Conway during training at the IRFU High Performance Centre. Pictures: Dan Sheridan

These are indeed unusual times. If the 74,500 empty seats under the Principality Stadium roof tomorrow fail to convey that message then the knowledge that the most recent use of this great arena was as a temporary surge hospital will surely do the job.

The 2021 Guinness Six Nations kicks off this weekend in the midst of an ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and whatever the weather, the return of the championship will bring a little sunshine back in the hearts of rugby supporters everywhere.