The longer Scotland keep the game close, the more confident they will become as they look to take advantage of Ireland's poorer second half performances.
The former prop is gearing up for a civil action against former clubs Munster and Sale Sharks, the IRFU, World Rugby, and the RFU in what may be a reckoning for the sport.
When the ball is in play, a rugby referee has 138 potential penalties he may award, a staggering amount to assess while keeping up with elite professional athletes.
The lineout will be a key battle in the tactical war at the Aviva. Ireland will have a plan to restrict France's attacking ambitions.
Coaches would typically be replaced due to poor performance in the first part of the cycle, but it is very unusual to be let go within 10 months of the biggest competition as in the cases of Eddie Jones and Wayne Pivac.
Rugby unions all over the world are facing increased pressure to address the concussion problem in the game.
Rugby doesn't just have to evolve, it has to make radical alterations to the way it operates on and off the field.
The Conor Murray of 2019-22 has become a reliable but ultimately more risk averse, more predictable and less dynamic rugby player.
Three Irish players have lodged filings against the IRFU and World Rugby. The firm representing them has previously said it is handling a number of rugby concussion cases and is working closely with the UK firm which earlier this year issued proceedings in a class action against World Rugby.
A series victory in New Zealand is an extraordinary achievement in its own right but there is another prize at stake and now is the time for Andy Farrell to experiment.
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