Is England really the world's No.1 rugby team?

AS THE professional players receive and absorb the lessons on media and press relations, the pre-match comments become increasingly predictable - and bland. No one wants to give the opposition ammunition to use in the pre-match motivational speech.

We've heard how much England respects Ireland and how much they think the Irish have improved and what great players they now have. We've also heard how Ireland respects England and what great players they have too. All very original.

One thing we have heard too much about, in my opinion, is about how Ireland will be facing up to the best team in the world tomorrow at Lansdowne Road.