Winter is coming! And beyond that wall isn't dread, but optimism for Irish rugby.

Of course there are always areas to improve upon and that's exactly what Keith Wood and Gerry Thornley looked at on Off The Ball tonight, looking at our strengths and what Joe Schmidt can build on.

"I think there is much more rugby in this Irish team when they get their set piece absolutely spot on and when they get big ball carriers back," said Gerry, with Keith adding that he would like to see more cutting edge from Rob Kearney and the centres.

But Gerry also feels that some of the players that are already there are learning bucket-loads from Joe Schmidt, giving Simon Zebo as an example of a player who has improved his defensive capacities dramatically.

Gerry also wondered how Ireland would cope if they are forced into a position where they have to fight back from behind against France or Argentina next year. 

Keith also feels that an alternative to Mike Ross is necessary in case he suffers injuries ahead of next year's challenges.