World Cup history shows Ireland need to go all out for Six Nations

Every team that has won a Grand Slam in a World Cup year has reached a semi-final at least. Ireland would do well not to repeat the mistakes of the past

ALL SMILES: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, left, and forwards coach Paul O'Connell during the Ireland rugby captain's run at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Because we tend to view the Six Nations in a World Cup year solely through green-and-white lenses and with all tentativeness that prism at this stage entails – to go for it or not to go for it, that is the question – it’s worth taking up a different vantage point and trying on a different colour of specs.

SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Your home for the latest news, views and analysis of this year's Six Nations Championship from our award winning sports team.

SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Your home for the latest news, views and analysis of this year's Six Nations Championship from our award winning sports team.