Rugby Country sees small picture

Yes, there are a few stragglers still out there begrudging, but it is time to give rugby its due.

War and phoney war break out this weekend. The Six Nations and the Allianz Football League trot out together, marking out extremes on the hyperbole scale.

“Nations at War,” screamed the Sunday Independent. “Tribal passions and cross-border conflict,” roared the Daily Mail. “There’s been 20 wars between England and France – there is another one happening on Saturday,” promised England coach Eddie Jones.