Mick Cleary: Five big talking points to whet our Six Nations appetite

Paying to watch, Ireland's on the brink of history, inconsistent Scotland (and England) and French flair

SIX NATIONS: Paying to watch the tournament, Ireland on the brink of history, inconsistent Scotland and French flair, another Six Nations is upon us and it promises to be a cracker. Picture: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

The last time on television free-to-air?

The broadcasting war drums are sounding to signal the inevitable arrival over the hill of streaming services that will put the championship behind a TV pay-wall. The deal is not yet complete and there may well be a slice of the Six Nations pie that remains available to all-comers. But, in reality, goodbye to million-strong audiences, tuning in for the annual beano, spreading the word far and wide, drawing in many thousands who would not be aware of rugby existing outside this seven-week window.