Donal Lenihan: France team of the year but Andy Farrell's Ireland will get better and better

In comparison to the dirge witnessed during the recent Lions test series in South Africa, the autumn series of competitive action across Europe has done the game a great service

FEARLESS: Romain Ntamack opts not to take the easy option and makes a break from behind his own try line against the All Blacks on Saturday — a sign of France’s positive mindset, says Donal Lenihan. Picture: Inpho/James Crombie

When an experienced head like Peter O’Mahony proclaims that the last month in Irish camp has been “the most enjoyable in my career”, you have to take notice.

Given the quality produced by Andy Farrell’s men in three fascinating contests against Japan, New Zealand, and Argentina, O’Mahony wasn’t the only one to derive great satisfaction from Ireland’s exciting brand of attacking rugby.