Andy Farrell has left coaching duties to interim head coach Simon Easterby. Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Whether it be Four, Five or Six Nations, whether amateur or professional and irrespective of opposition or venue, that opening encounter has long been the trend-setter that determines where the Grand Slam, Championship and indeed Triple Crown might be heading.
Winning that opener doesn’t guarantee further success, but given the proximity of the games to follow in the most competitive international tournament outside of the World Cup, hitting the ground running is crucial.
