Six Nations on road to perdition unless chastening Celtic wake-up call is heeded

Championship risks becoming a two-tier affair as Ireland, Wales and Scotland all lose on the opening weekend.

Scotland players after full-time at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome. Pic: Domenico Cippitelli/PA Wire.

Few competitions in the world have the capacity to turn wine into water quicker than the Six Nations. Only a few days ago players, coaches and fans of Ireland, Scotland and Wales were poring over the championship fixture list with their customary annual relish. Now, after just one round, they are having to deal with the most sobering Celtic wake‑up call for more than a quarter of a century.

Take your pick from the following trio of chastening outcomes. On Thursday night in Paris, as France dazzled in defiance of the damp conditions, Ireland were outclassed in every respect.