A Six Nations of hope has become one of what might have beens

Damian Penaud of France scores his side's second try despite the tackle of Hugo Keenan of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The growing pains continue for Andy Farrell’s side but now they are bearing the burden of some unwanted history as they search for a first win of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations.

Ireland fell to consecutive defeats in the opening two rounds for the first time in Six Nations history, the first such poor start since the Five Nations of 1998, as an upwardly mobile France continued their winning start to the championship at Aviva Stadium yesterday afternoon.