Easterby's to-do list: Hands full with the set-piece and skills

Simon Easterby inherits a squad that struggled to hit top gear in November despite three wins from four.

Ireland's Tadhg Beirne in a lineout against Australia. PIC: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Ireland defence coach Simon Easterby is set to take temporary charge as Andy Farrell assumes the reins of the British & Lions ahead of next summer’s tour to Australia and he inherits a squad that struggled to hit top gear in November despite three wins from four.

Easterby has his hands full if Ireland are to make history as the first team to win three Six Nations titles in a row this coming spring, with England their round-one opponents in Dublin on Saturday, February 1.