DONAL LENIHAN: Something has to give in France

SO, the only two sides in the Six Nations showing a degree of consistency are at opposite ends of the table.

England stand alone as the tournament’s only unbeaten side but still have challenges ahead, not least a trip to Cardiff on the final day when Wales will assuredly be better than in their last outing there against Ireland.

At the other end of the scale are pre-tournament favourites France. What odds would you have got three weeks ago on Philippe Saint-Andre’s side being the only one without a win after two rounds? Given that they still have challenging trips to Twickenham and the Aviva Stadium to negotiate, there is even the possibility of a first ever Six Nations wooden spoon. Having witnessed Clermont-Auvergne, Toulon and Montpellier power their way into the last eight of the Heineken Cup, who would have thought that even possible?