Jackman: Slam chasing Ireland a step ahead of the rest

Grand slam-seeking Ireland showed again they are a step ahead of the rest of their Six Nations rivals, according to former international hooker Bernard Jackman.

Andy Farrell's side made it maximum points from their opening two games, backing up an away win in Cardiff by ending France's 14-game winning streak, a victory built on a scintillating first-half showing.

A record 13th successive home win and it sets the men in green up for a serious momentum ahead of the looming World Cup.

Speaking on Morning Ireland, RTÉ Rugby analyst Jackman said the match itself was worthy of the billing of the two best sides in the world

"It was a brilliant game," he said. "The first half of rugby was as good a first half of rugby man of us have seen for a long time.

"Ireland went toe-to-toe with France and came out on top, and convincingly so, which is hugely encouraging.

"We were a little bit apprehensive starting this year as the number one in the world, but over the course of the Welsh and French games, this Irish team is in really good shape.

"This team is not hampered by the pressure, they look like they are embracing it and getting better every week."

For head coach Farrell it marks a first win over Les Bleus at the fourth attempt, and completes the set having beaten all tier one nations during his three-and-a-half-year spell in charge of Ireland, after victories over southern hemisphere giants New Zealand, South Africa and Australia during a memorable 2022.

The former Connacht and Leinster player said the development of the squad, enforced through injuries, and the return of form of scrum-half Conor Murray will please Farrell hugely.

Any perceived French injustice over the grounding of the ball for James Lowe’s try – the TMO didn’t see