Tadhg Beirne: Teams want to have a scalp off Ireland

It's been a while since Ireland were the plucky underdogs heading into a Six Nations game against England.

You would have to go back to March 2021 for the last time Ireland went into a meeting with their old rivals as the underdogs. After an underwhelming campaign to that point, it was the moment everything clicked for Andy Farrell’s side, and their attacking game under Mike Catt.

With hindsight, it was a ground-breaking day for this Irish team. They have come a long way since.

A Test series win in New Zealand, two Six Nations titles in a row, and a drawn series against South Africa last summer mean there are no longer any secrets with how this team operate.

While the elusive World Cup success has still evaded them, they have become one of the teams to beat in Test rugby, and Tadhg Beirne believes they are routinely getting the best version of their opposition.

"I think of late, probably, since we've been hovering around that number one spot in the world, I think teams want to have a scalp off us more so than usual," he says.

"It's probably how I’d feel, if any team can beat the world number one team it’s pretty big feast, but for us we take each games as it comes.

"We've a massive focus on ourselves and as nice as it is to be number one our focus is on winning trophies and winning games."

"It's kind of hit and miss really, sometimes you do get your hands in the ball playing six, sometimes you don't."

In a highly competitive forward pack, the Munster captain has made himself one of the nailed down starters in recent seasons.

More often playing in the second row, the 33-year-old has been used as a blindside flanker more and more by Ireland in recent seasons, as Farrell looks to capitalise on his athletic profile and fitness while