Lessons of 2019: Ireland write off Six Nations at their peril

And so we approach a defining season for the Ireland rugby team. Even more defining than 2019 and 2015 and 2011. You get the picture.

The Six Nations always brings with it the first hints of spring, even when it's in the autumn of a World Cup cycle.

Wherever the trophy lands by the end of March, we'll keep our counsel on the significance of it until November and the William Webb Ellis Cup has been handed out. But that doesn't mean it lacks significance.

If Ireland do go on to break their quarter-final glass ceiling at the World Cup later this year, their performance in this year's championship will largely be forgotten, even if a solid showing over the next seven weeks goes a long way to making that happen.

The idea of peaking too soon is something Irish rugby fans live in eternal fear of, but performance isn't as simple as flicking a switch.

For an example, you only have to look back to 2019. Ireland entered the Six Nations that year with the world at their feet, defending Grand Slam champions, a series win in Australia and a thoroughly deserved win against New Zealand all ticked off the checklist along the way.

But from the moment England floored them in the opening round of the Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium, they spent the next 10 months playing catch-up. They followed that defeat up with three straight wins against Scotland, Italy and a truly dreadful France side, but always looked like a snooker player scrambling to keep a break alive after losing control of the cue ball, as each shot brings them further and further out of position. It was little surprise when their run came to a humiliating end on the final day against Wales in Cardiff.

That year, Wales and England showed the importance of using the Six Nations as a