Ireland beware as coach Noves sparking off a French revolution

After a riveting opening phase of Six Nations action, we now have a weekend to draw breath and contemplate what the remainder of this year’s tournament is likely to throw up.

At this juncture, pre-tournament favourites England are best placed to fulfil the bookmakers’ faith in them, after winning two absorbing contests that they could so easily have lost.

What we now know is that, in differing circumstances, England could well be zero from two. Both France and Wales pushed them all the way in two brilliantly competitive games but England displayed admirable composure and resilience to remain the only unbeaten side in the championship.