Ireland now know they need to lean on others if they are to defend their Six Nations title. They finish their campaign in Cardiff and will require England to stumble in the Welsh capital a week on Saturday.
The champions recovered from their chastening defeat by England by going back to basics to end Scotland’s run of six successive home victories in the championship and put themselves back in contention. But, with England finishing their campaign with home games against Italy and Scotland – two sides who have not won at Twickenham in the Six Nations era – Ireland need Wales to beat the men in white in the tournament for the first time since 2013 if Joe Schmidt is to achieve a fourth and final title in his six years as head coach.
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