This time last year, Ireland were bracing themselves for the first game of the post-Johnny Sexton era.

This year finds them planning another Six Nations title defence, only without the man who has masterminded their journey back to the summit of the competition.

With head coach Andy Farrell having been seconded to the British and Irish Lions before he leads next summer's tour to Australia, he will be absent from Ireland's coaches' box for the first time since the 2016 Six Nations.

In his stead, Simon Easterby will oversee Ireland's Six Nations campaign and summer matches against Georgia, Romania and Portugal.

Part of the Irish backroom team since 2014, Easterby has undoubtedly served his apprenticeship, and while he has the chance to lead Ireland to their first ever Six Nations hat-trick, there are some issues for him to address.

Firstly, Easterby must back a fly-half. While Jack Crowley occupied the 10 jersey for most of 2024, the emergence of Sam Prendergast - who started the last two autumn games - has complicated the picture.

Beyond that, the hope is that the Six Nations will see Ireland return to being the free-flowing juggernaut associated with Farrell's tenure. Results, as a whole, remained positive in 2024, but their autumn performances failed to inspire.

With England travelling to Dublin on the opening weekend of the Six Nations, Easterby has no time to spare as he prepares to take on the most intense challenge of his coaching career.