Six Nations heats up — as we wait in the wings

WITH Ireland reduced to the role of spectator thanks to the Six Nations committee’s decision to postpone our fixtures until the autumn, the championship comes to a conclusion of sorts, with the final round of matches this weekend.

Of course, the remaining fixtures involving Ireland will have to be completed, to close the book on what has been a frustrating season. But it remains to be seen what appetite there will be for championship deciders in the autumn, particularly following what is bound to be a tough Lions tour Down Under.