After a shaky Six Nations, Irish players must prove themselves before Andy Farrell finalises his Lions squad for Australia

Despite losing just one game, to eventual champions France, nobody can afford to paper over the worrying cracks that have come to the fore over the last seven weeks.

Seeing France take over the Aviva Stadium on the pitch and off it was a wake-up call. 

From the moment Fabien Galthie’s inconsistent but gifted French side lost to a clearly inferior English team at Twickenham, this game became a whole lot more difficult.

Ireland need to prepare in advance for the physical and psychological impact of France's replacement pack.

If physical presence is a requirement to make an impression in the dressing room these days, the new man won’t be found wanting. Suffice to say, the former Wellington police officer cuts an imposing figure.

We all survived a rocky journey to Welsh capital but with Garry Ringrose sure to pay a heavier price for his red, Ireland's three-in-a-row quest will face one hell of a test against the French

A Triple Crown in the bag despite being well short of their best, the challenge is about to get even bigger with the French arriving in Dublin next up.

With so much emotion floating around the Principality Stadium and a proud rugby nation sure to get behind their team, it’s more important than ever that Simon Easterby establishes a clarity of focus because for Ireland every point matters

The game in Wales has reached crisis point, a far cry from when I was a youngster. Having once reigned supreme, Welsh rugby has reached rock bottom.