Ireland can 'thrive' under pressure - Easterby

Simon Easterby has been part of the Ireland coaching ticket since 2014

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby believes his side will embrace expectation as they seek an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations title.

An assistant coach with the side since 2014, Easterby will be in charge throughout the championship with usual boss Andy Farrell preparing for his role with the British and Irish Lions in Australia this summer.

No side has ever won three outright Six Nations titles in succession and Easterby appreciates the size of the challenge that awaits the back-to-back champions, who start their campaign at home to England on February 1.

"It would be incredibly special," the 49-year-old told BBC Sport.

"It's never been done but that's for a reason, it's incredibly hard to do. We know there's a lot of work prior to us even thinking about that.

"Momentum is a huge thing in the competition and if you get off to a good start then you go some way to achieving that goal."

Ireland were on course for consecutive Grand Slams after winning their first three games of last season's championship but were upset by England at Twickenham in their penultimate contest.

Easterby, however, believes that the pressure of making history does not weigh heavily on his side.

"When they play [for their provinces] in Europe, in the URC, there's an expectation to do exceptionally well each year. The same goes when they come into national camp and are in an Irish jersey. On the whole, they thrive on that.

"We understand that if we're being chased down, it's because we've set some good standards, but we also have to keep moving and keep evolving as a team.

"If we want to win this competition we have to stay in front of five very good teams."

'Always on the other end of a phone'

Andy Farrell and Simon Easterby have worked together since 2016

The championship will represent Easterby's first time acting as a head coach since leaving the Scarlets in 2014.

While Farrell will return to post after the Lions Test series against the Wallabies, the former flanker is looking forward to his time at the top of the coaching ticket.

"I'm really excited," he said.

"It's something I've been around for a while. I've been involved in the team for 10 or 11 years.

"When I had the opportunity, when Faz had the opportunity to coach the Lions, I spoke to the Irish management around that and I was delighted to accept. I'm really lucky to have the opportunity."

Farrell was still in place for Ireland's November internationals, when the side won three out of four Tests, and Easterby says the pair have remained in contact since.

"We chat regularly," he added.

"He's got other things to think about at the moment, but we speak regularly.

"He's always on the other end of a phone call if we need him. I spoke prior to coming in and I'm sure we'll speak over the next few months."