Peter Jackson: Dylan Hartley leaves the door open for Rory Best

So many Irish forwards have been at the sharp end of Dylan Hartley’s fingers, fists and fangs that it would be only fair if one were to gain from the mounting wreckage.

The imminent return of England’s outlaw captain to the game’s Old Bailey over his latest crime exposes him to the risk of being beaten to the punch for the ultimate prize by a farmer from south Down.

The odds against Rory Best captaining the Lions in New Zealand next summer have been shortening all weekend.