Ireland were woeful at the 2007 World Cup and although O'Sullivan signed a new contract before that tournament, a poor Six Nations showing will see the pressure on his position cranked up.

Several key players seem to be coming into form at the right time - and O'Sullivan will need the likes of captain Brian O'Driscoll regaining the spark of old.

Ireland have finished runners-up in four of O'Sullivan's six Six Nations campaigns, and third in the other two. Failure to match that or better may bring the end of his reign.

606: Six Nations coaches