There is no Six Nations fixtures next weekend and Ireland will be hoping to head to be heading to Cardiff with the chance of winning the Triple Crown on February 22 before hosting France at the Aviva on March 8, with their final game taking place against Italy in Rome seven days later.

Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby has warned his Six Nations title-chasers that Scotland are capable of unleashing a formidable attack against them this weekend. Ireland can step up their pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations crown when they face Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

AN EIGHT-DAY turnaround after a bonus-point win on the opening weekend of the Six Nations is just about the dream scenario. The extra day of recovery will help any Ireland player carrying the usual bumps and bruises that come with taking on a fired-up England team.