Cardiff all that counts in the here and now for Simon Easterby’s Ireland

Ireland face a trip to Wales to take on the tournament's weakest side this weekend. 

WHAT'S OCCURIN': Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby, left, and Leinster chief operations officer Guy Easterby during the United Rugby Championship match between Ospreys and Leinste. Pic: Chris Fairweather/Sportsfile

Andy Farrell has left the building, for now, but his influence and his words still linger as this Ireland team carries on regardless under Simon Easterby and towards the prospect of a third successive Six Nations title.

The main change under the ‘new’ boss has been a noticeable uptick in the team’s performances after a November Test window that, despite three wins from four, was a disappointment from the moment New Zealand eased to a win against underwhelming hosts on the first day.