Once more unto the breach, and in the first Six Nations campaign without Andy Farrell there was even less cause for ripping things up and starting again. A strong core of the 36-man squad announced by Simon Easterby for Ireland’s attempt at a historic three titles in succession have been an integral part of the last two and will be reunited again for next week’s pre-tournament camp in the Algarve.
The Six Nations has always been a stand-alone tournament in the eyes of the IRFU and its employees. Hence regardless of World Cup cycles, before the halfway point at any rate, this is a proper tilt at making history in what could be a last dance for Peter O’Mahony, who captained Ireland in last year’s Six Nations, and Conor…