Jack Crowley during an Ireland training session at The Campus in Quinta da Lago, Portugal. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Rúaidhrí O’Connor
They say rugby is slow to innovate, but the Six Nations is kicking off with its final on the opening night.
Back in the days when England and France worried openly about the standard of competition not being up to scratch, there was a drive to have the big two face off in a quasi-final.
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Paul O’Connell interview: Ireland will bounce back from World Cup pain
Ronan O’Gara gives Six Nations verdict: ‘It would be up there with one of Ireland’s greatest victories’
Six new faces to watch during this year’s Six Nations
Six Nations preview: Strange championship looks like it all depends on an opening-night finale
Felix Jones ‘is one of the most intense people I have ever met’: Steve Borthwick’s view on his Irish defence coach
Cian Tracey: French changes could play into Irish hands with Fabien Galthie tipped to make some surprise calls
Joe McCarthy on track for starting spot against France
Tony Ward: Jordan Larmour gets my vote for No 14 jersey, and I’d go with six-two bench split for France
‘Jack has been running things really well’ – Robbie Henshaw backs Crowley to thrive beneath Friday night Marseille lights
‘Exciting prospect’ Joe McCarthy primed for Six Nations start as Andy Farrell gets clean bill of health for France opener
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…. to be continued
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