Duncan Casey: Formidable France tough to look past 

The Six Nations always carries added weight in a World Cup year. But this year’s tournament comes at a time when the existential crises for the sport and several of its higher-profile governing bodies continue to mount.

MAN TO BEAT: France captain Antoine Dupont. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

IRELAND

Ireland can feel smug about having its house in order and being immune from the contagion of controversy that seems to have swept the game in the last 12 months. Sitting atop the World Rugby rankings and being considered the main challengers to hosts France later this year, things are looking pretty good. But we’ve been in this position before and it has gone horribly wrong.