Joe Schmidt and Eddie Jones kick off the 6 Nations mind games

And so it begins. There was a new venue in west London yesterday as the self-styled Rugby’s Greatest Championship was rechristened the NatWest 6 Nations to reflect the updated title sponsor.

But the great “we’re not favourites” parlour game was a familiar nod to years past and England boss Eddie Jones was once again at the heart of the action.

After sparring with Warren Gatland the last couple of years, it is Joe Schmidt’s Ireland on whom the defending champions’ head coach is now focused.