Donal Lenihan: Eddie's England have already done Ireland a big favour

Like the French in Cardiff, Ireland will be better for coming through such a serious test

Ireland’s Hugo Keenan on the charge against England in the Six Nations match at Twickenham. Picture: Inpho/Billy Stickland

With a final round of Six Nations action to go, few will dispute the fact that favourites France, followed closely by Ireland, have confirmed their pre-tournament billing as the two best sides in the championship.

France sit on the cusp of a first Grand Slam and championship success in 12 years, which is hard to fathom given the strength in depth throughout the French Top 14. Once the French Federation started working in tandem with the Top 14 clubs, which is exactly what has happened when former international coach Bernard Laporte became president of the FFR, it was inevitable the national team would be the big winners.