Why the home of English rugby no longer casts a dark shadow for this Ireland team

Caelan Doris powers through the tackle of England's Harry Randall during the 2022 Six Nations clash at Twickenham. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

David Kelly

Twickenham’s terrifically imposing concrete structure holds no fear for Andy Farrell’s Ireland as they prepare to take the fourth step towards an historic 21st century achievement of back-to-back Grand Slams.

It has not always been so, for this venue once derided as a cabbage patch has submerged many Irish sides beneath the dark shadows cast by its almost imperious, monolithic looming stands.