David Humphreys column: More at stake than Six Nations points

It's not often that an Irish team gets compared to the All Blacks, but coming out of the Principality Stadium last Saturday, that was the opinion of many of the Welsh fans who had watched the comprehensive Ireland victory.

In the build up to the match, all of Wales expected an emotional reaction to the return of Warren Gatland and as always in Cardiff, there was incredible atmosphere inside the stadium for the anthems.

It didn’t last long. The intensity, accuracy and quality of Ireland's performance in the first 20 minutes set the tone for the game, and highlighted the gulf in class and confidence between the two teams.

Andy Farrell’s side showed many of the qualities that we have always associated with New Zealand at their best. There is no higher praise.

Top quality coaching, well conditioned, confident players together with a consistency in selection, have laid the foundations for this Irish squad to win six consecutive Test matches - New Zealand, New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji, Australia, Wales…. very impressive!

Yes, Wales were poor and never really caused Ireland too many difficulties, but it was a really positive start to the 2023 Six Nations Championship.

That victory nicely sets up the first ever Six Nations contest between the top two ranked teams in world rugby and there’s even more significance to the tie given what is coming up on the horizon.

While I’ve always believed international rugby is about winning the next match, and not about focussing on a Rugby World Cup cycle, I’m strongly of the opinion that Ireland’s best chance of lifting the Webb Ellis trophy in October starts with beating France this weekend and winning this year’s championship.

In my mind, France, as hosts, will start as favourites for the World