Irish Examiner view: Six Nations win was no one-off 

with this year’s World Cup in France already in our sights, there was definite optimism that this time around we will leave previous and often mystifying misfires well and truly behind us

Overconfidence is a bugbear we have witnessed all too often in Irish rugby, but the current squad’s apparent attitude that it can climb every mountain and not just any mountain, is indicative of a self-belief hitherto unseen. Picture: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

A clip that emerged from the Irish dressing room after their Grand Slam victory against England on Saturday included captain Jonathan Sexton leading his team in a cheeky and undoubtedly pointed rendition of the English rugby anthem ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’.

The dry humour added another layer to the grit, determination, can-do attitude, fortitude, and skill which had underlined their emphatic Six Nations title win and the distinction of being unbeaten throughout the campaign.