Ireland v England:Winning the Triple Crown is like a kiss on the cheek from a beautiful girl after getting down on one knee in a crowded restaurant. Thanks, but no thanks.
It only came into existence after France were temporarily thrown out of the Five Nations for admitting to paying players. It used to matter.
In fairness, Ireland could take pride from the 2004 success as it had been 19 years, but last year's celebrations seemed as much about the dramatic victory at Twickenham and completion of a three-in-a-row over England.
When Ireland started winning the Triple Crown again a trophy suddenly appeared but what's the point in awarding anything for winning three out of five games in the Six Nations? Only the championship should satisfy Ireland and that remains a viable goal this season.
My original question before the championship becomes relevant again this week: can Eddie O'Sullivan extract consistent winning performances from this team against elite opposition? My own opinion has always been no.
O'Sullivan is undoubtedly a talented coach and has an excellent record but these players already provide the performance levels to compete with anyone, anywhere. See the two New Zealand Tests last June, which was a superior return to what the Lions achieved down there in 2005.
But it is the coach's contribution that should have them winning these tight encounters.
In this "golden" period the list of regretful defeats is growing long: most recently France, last season in Paris, the three Southern Hemisphere defeats during the summer and Wales at the Millennium Stadium in 2005.
They all contribute to denying this team the mantle of greatness.
Saturday will show whether the superb November form was little more than an illusion.
The unforced errors committed against France were down to the players being overly aroused. France noted the weaknesses exposed in the Welsh victory and played a Test match, while the hype of the occasion stymied the Irish performance.
After Ronan O'Gara's last penalty goal the focus switched to an historic victory. France concentrated on the process with the restart by Lionel Beauxis, considering the stakes, showing the mark of a world-class player.
One immediate advantage over England is the enormous experience of having undergone the Croke Park experience.
Now it's about denying England any motivational advantage. If God Save the Queen is not shown the respect afforded La Marseillaise it will merely play into English hands. Imagine the positive psychological effect on Irish players if Amhrán na bhFiann was jeered at Twickenham. Remember, through the darkest days of the troubles England travelled to Lansdowne Road when Scotland and Wales refused.
England won the phoney war the last time they beat Ireland in 2003, when Martin Johnson ignored protocol by taking the Irish spot on the red carpet.
The only criticism I would have of Brian O'Driscoll's captaincy (granted, he was still learning his trade) was he didn't face down the English that day - instead of making the Irish president walk on the grass.
The English must not be allowed set the psychological agenda today. The return of O'Driscoll (now at the height of his powers as a leader and player) cannot be overstated.
Granted, a lot has changed since 1998 but Brian Ashton's time as Irish coach ensures that more than any English coach before him he understands the Irish psyche.
Ashton is a technical master and reigns over the strongest English side since the World Cup.
By selecting two massive centres in Andy Farrell and Mike Tindall against Scotland one eye was always fixed on this game. The partnership has had two games to gel and they will be focused on smashing the reunited O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy. The best centre pairing in world rugby faces yet another mammoth task.
Expect the unexpected in defence. Farrell and Tindall may adopt an "outside in" strategy, where they position themselves to attack the ball carrier from the outside channel moving inwards.
Tindall is a quality player whose return has had a galvanising effect on team-mates, on a par with Jonny Wilkinson.
A favourite attacking ploy of Wilkinson - if he plays - against Ireland is the crossfield kick. He will target Denis Hickie, in particular, with Josh Lewsey or possibly Tindall hugging the touchline.
Unlike against France, Ireland should have an edge in the back row, although Neil Best can feel genuinely unlucky not to have displaced Simon Easterby.
I'd put Easterby in the same category as Geordan Murphy - one poor performance and one good display in the Six Nations - yet a bad refereeing decision appears to have denied Murphy a place in Irish rugby folklore. The missed tackle on Raphael Ibanez sees him dropped from the match-day 22. That's how fickle this game can be.
What the Irish maul did to France in the closing stages was extraordinary. If they can crank this into gear again they will demolish England's collective confidence.
This must be the day when Ireland shows the world its future on the sporting field. Remember, they are young men. Not politicians. This should be a celebration of youth.
I believe they will win. By how much by depends on the game plan devised by the coach.
