It was announced by the Six Nations that the 2011 RBS 6 Nations Championship will for the first time in the Championship's history kick off on a Friday on the 4th February with Wales v England in Cardiff.
Declan Kidney had opted to stick with the same starting XV that had done the business against England in Twickenham on Ireland’s previous outing. On the bench, Rob Kearney returned from his injury enforced layoff but Geordan Murphy, after a stunning performance against England, held onto the number fifteen shirt.
Wales would be without the services of Ryan Jones who was replaced in the back row by Gareth Delve who was into the team to earn his 10th cap since debut in 2006.
England 16 - 20 Ireland
If ever the weight of expectation was pressing down on two teams it was these too as they prepared to go head to head at Twickenham in round three of the RBS Six Nations.
Martin Johnston’s men had been under siege from the British media who one feels were quietly sharpening their blades.
Gay Paris, may be the eternal city of love, and this may be Valentines eve but no love was lost when Ireland and France went head to head in the French capital. The Baltic conditions paved way for the frosty reception Ireland received especially from French scrumhalf Parra who it is alleged accused the Irish of cheating, adding an extra edge to this occasion... as if it was needed.
It was a bright early afternoon in Dublin as Ireland prepared to kick off their Six Nations title defence against Italy. The O2 ‘Be the difference’ campaign in which supporters had the opportunity to record their team talk, provided the pre-match entertainment on the big screen and one couldn’t help but be inspired and entertained by their messages.