MOORE POWER TO IRELAND’S ELBOW

JOXER made it to Stuttgart again on Monday night but unfortunately not to London. Singer-songwriter Christy

Moore (right) was drafted in to do an private set for Ireland’s Grand Slam chasers in a bid to keep thoughts from drifting to what’s at stake at the home of English rugby. And the old tribute to Euro 88 got a rousing rendition.

“It was the highlight of the gig,” smiled assistant coach Richie Murphy. “We were trying to get him to sing Joxer Goes To Twickenham but we couldn’t get him to do it.”

It’s a difficult thing, going to the famous south-west London venue, as the results in the championship bear out.

Ireland last won there in 2010 and England haven’t lost a 6 Nations game at home since Wales prevailed two years later.

No8 CJ Stander said: “They haven’t lost there for a reason. They play well there, their supporters come out and they know the pitch. They get another boost from the surroundings.

“When you get there it’s a place you’ve heard a lot of stories about. If you talk about it during the week, you’ve already experienced it just by listening (to other players).

“You can surely can get intimidated by the stadium and the way they play but if you put that out of your mind in the warm-up and start well, then it won’t. The Captain’s Run is important to get the surroundings sorted and used to the pitch.”