'I'm obsessed with why teams keep being successful' - Mental strength the key for Ireland in Six Nations

By Saturday evening, we'll have an early idea of how well Ireland can deal with the target on their backs.

In the past, and in particular four years ago, the expectation has proven too much, but the way in which both players and coaches have spoken this week has indicated a willingness to embrace the challenge, rather than pretend it doesn't exist.

Johnny Sexton and Hugo Keenan have both spoken of taking the next step in this team's development and winning some silverware, Tadhg Beirne says the favourites tag is "exciting" rather than daunting, while Andrew Porter described moving on from the feelings of anxiousness and worry before big games.

In 2019 and 2017, there were several days of debate around whether or not to keep the lid on the Principality Stadium in the lead-up to Ireland's Six Nations visits to Cardiff, a topic that dominated the narrative of the week.

In particular, Ireland were made to regret their insistence that the roof would remain open, on their terms. and Joe Schmidt's side were swept away by Wales in atrocious conditions, before the Ireland coach later admitted it was probably a mistake.

There was no such drama this year. Ireland and Wales happily agreed to close the roof. And while it's likely to drive up the noise levels in Cardiff, and potentially make things harder for Farrell's side, the head coach says he welcomes any additional adversity.

"It's nothing to do with the conditions," the Ireland head coach (above) said on Thursday.

"We want to embrace it and learn from it, and keep progressing because it's certainly what's coming down the road.

"I don't know if what's coming down the road is going to be bigger and better, it will have to go some to beat the atmosphere in Cardiff, so these are the