R are indeed is the Six Nations championship that has everyone purring after just two rounds. If the organisers could rewind the clock they might have preferred Ireland v France as the tournament’s grand finale but, in some ways, a round-two classic has worked a treat.
Quite apart from lifting neutrals out of their seats it has also raised the bar quality-wise for everyone else. Given it is a Rugby World Cup year, it feels like the fun is only just beginning.
Particularly if you are Irish. If there has been a more gloriously complete Six (or Five) Nations performance by an Ireland side it was hard to recall as they blasted past the French in Dublin on Saturday.
Shamrock-and-roll is rugby’s modern soundtrack, with even bigger stadium gigs still to come. Much has already been written about the well-stocked pool of Irish schools talent and artful player management that help Ireland turn up on big occasions looking half a yard fitter and fresher than their opposition.