Number 1.

Today is a very special day for Irish Rugby with head coach Joe Schmidt and captain Rory Best both set for their final games at the Aviva Stadium before they head for pastures new after the World Cup.

And it could be made even more special if Ireland manage to defeat Wales in their final warm-up game because not only will it be excellent preparations for the World Cup – it will make them the number one ranked team in the world for the first time in history.

New Zealand returned to the summit last week thanks to Ireland’s win in Cardiff, with Schmidt’s side currently sitting in second. Wales meanwhile are down in fourth after the defeat but can go top again with a 15-point win margin.

And finally, if Ireland manage to defeat Wales my more than 15 points, Gatland’s men will swap places with South Africa after their demolition of Japan yesterday.