Peter Jackson: A Grand Slam may be gone but hope isn't for Ireland

Ireland's Conor Murray dejected after the defeat in Paris. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Now that France stand alone in the Grand Slam scheme of things, Ireland will need a hand from Scotland or Wales to help them win the Six Nations.

Those with long memories and a sharp sense of history will be acutely aware of the irony. Fifty years ago this very month, Irish rugby had never been in more urgent need of a favour from their Celtic neighbours, and neither chose to grant it.