Expectations running high for Ireland ahead of Six Nations

Ahead of Simon Easterby naming his Six Nations squad today, one of the few areas of debate his choice of a third scrumhalf following Craig Casey’s unfortunate injury, expectations are, writes Gordon D’Arcy, running high. And should they beat England in their opening game on the first day of February, “the chatter about back-to-back titles and other highfalutin achievements will grow swiftly, quicker than you can say Grand Slam”.

Prospects on the domestic front are “a little bit more complicated”, Gordon impressed by how Leinster toughed it out against La Rochelle last weekend, but concluding that “a one-dimensional performance like that will not be enough to secure that elusive big ticket prize”. It’s Bath at home on Saturday, Jacques Nienaber expecting a “proper Test match-intensity game”.

Munster head to Northampton with their destiny in their own hands, while Connacht meet familiar URC foes Cardiff in the Challenge Cup with their ambitions still fixed on claiming silverware this season. Also in rugby, John O’Sullivan takes a look at the Ireland under-20 squad picked by Neil Doak for the Six Nations.

And rugby referees are among those who responded to our request for officials in various sports and grades to share what it’s like being the person in charge this weather. Their experiences are mixed, one leaving a pitch thinking, “why am I voluntarily giving up my time for this?”

In Gaelic games, Seán Moran previews Sunday’s novel All-Ireland club finals – “for the first time in 32 years, all four clubs are appearing at this stage for the first time”. And Gordon Manning attended the launch of the new women’s national league football season, a cloud in the form of news that over 40 Irish players will feature in this year’s AFLW hanging over it. “You would be foolish to say that you are not worried,” said Dublin’s Carla Rowe of the exodus.

Ahead of the new League of Ireland season, Gavin Cummiskey updates us on the efforts of teams with title aspirations to recruit centre forwards capable of knocking in a heap of goals, while in racing, Brian O’Connor has news of the upcoming Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown capping its attendance at 18,500, with all tickets required to be pre-booked. Day one of the programme, featuring the Irish Gold Cup, clashes with that Ireland v England Six Nations tussle. Spare a thought for those devoted to both rugby and racing.

TV Watch: Take your pick of TNT Sports’ Premier League action this evening – Everton v Aston Villa, Newcastle v Wolves and Leicester v Crystal Palace (all 7.30 kick-offs) and the north London love-in between Arsenal and Spurs at 8.0.

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Expectations running high for Ireland ahead of Six Nations

One-dimensional Leinster causing concern; referees speak of experiences; a pair of novel club finals