The Morning Sports Briefing

Gerry Thornley: winning remaining games should be priority

Ireland’s three debutants in their Six Nations defeat to England - Stuart McCloskey, Josh van der Flier and Ultan Dillane - all performed admirably in very testing circumstances at Twickenham.

But in his column today Gerry Thornley argues it is more important Joe Schmidt's side prioritise winning their remaining Championship games against Italy and Scotland ahead of introducing more young guns.

He writes: “Two wins would also maintain Ireland’s unbeaten home record over three seasons and eight games in the Six Nations. That is eminently preferable to blooding a host more young players and finishing fifth or sixth in the aftermath of the World Cup and before a three-match tour to South Africa.”

Mullins staying realistic before Cheltenham

Today marks the start of March which means the Cheltenham festival is just around the corner, and Brian O'Connor has spoken to Willie Mullins as the Carlow trainer readies his stunningly impressive stable for its assault on Prestbury Park.

After eight festival winners in 2015 and with a team of 60 horses heading across the Irish Sea this year, Mullins is expected to dominate again, however he is refusing to get too carried away. He said: “Others expect us to win. We go in hope. People credit us with things that are nearly impossible.

“Most things went right for us last year but in these championship races it only requires one stupid mistake and you’re out of it. And a virus in the yard can make it a complete blowout.”

High-fielding change will leave its mark

The introduction of the mark, which gives players the choice between a free kick or playing on after catching a kick out which has travelled 45 metres or more, was a reform passed through GAA Congress, and one Daragh O Se feels will have a positive impact.

He writes: “My thinking on the mark is this. It should be a basic principle in any situation where a referee is making a decision that is that the player showcasing a skill should get the benefit of that skill.”

What to watch out for:

Football

There are five Premier Legaue fixtures tonight, with Bournemout taking on Southampton in a South Coast derby (BT Sport 1, 7.54pm ko), league leaders Leicester welcoming West Brom to the KingPower Stadium, Chelsea travelling to Norwich, Aston Villa hosting Everton and Sunderland facing Crystal Palace.

Rugby

Clongowes take on Roscrea in the Leinster Senior Cup (Setanta Ireland 3pm ko)