The return to full fitness of talismanic leader Paul O'Connell is crucial for Ireland's prospects, according to Gerry Thornley in the Irish Times.
"The best of Paul O’Connell comes with game time, so the more we see of him over the next few months, the better. If there was one Irish player who didn’t want last season to end, it was O’Connell.
"The groin problems which plagued him after the 2010 Six Nations, which were compounded by that red card against the Ospreys and his ensuing suspension, have been well documented. The net effect was that he came into last season’s Six Nations virtually cold, and it was no surprise that his best came last up, in the win over England.
"After just 12 starts and the appearances off the bench last season, his mileage count is at least low, and though he’d like to start cranking it up soon, at least this season he also has a pre-season under his belt."
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