Ireland scrutinizing the opposition

 

Ireland lifted the Six Nations trophy in 2014 and kick off their title defence in Italy on Saturday.

 

And hooker Best revealed Kiss has left no stone unturned in their preparation – including an adaptation of 1980s board game 'Guess Who?'

 

"We've sat down before for a game of 'Guess Who?' in analysis sessions with Les," Best told PA Sport.

 

"Everyone has a pen and paper, and he goes through maybe four or five points about an individual player from that week's opposition.

 

"It will be things like 'favours a right-hand carry', 'steps off his left', and so on, and when you think you've got it you put the name down on the paper.

 

"The pressure's on for you to know the opposition as well as you can. From the second you arrive at an Ireland camp, you're on edge."

 

And Best believes it is that culture around the Ireland camp that can set up the men in green for another Championship.

 

He added: "In Test rugby there is only a marginal difference between the two teams and whoever wins those little mini battles across the board wins the game; that's how tight the margins are.

 

"So these little things the guys emphasise, that's the difference between winning a Championship and coming third."