'Six Nations title is France's to lose after win over Ireland'

The Six Nations is France's to lose, but other sides have reasons to believe after two rounds.

I was never sure there was going to be a Grand Slam this year, but as the only unbeaten side France will fancy their chances.

There are three games to go, though. There is going to be a defining moment — like there always is in the Six Nations — that will turn a result on its head.

France are noticeably heavier in stature and more clinical in the way they play the game than the other sides. They are oozing confidence at the moment.

They look more threatening, powerful and skilful. Ireland came close to winning in Paris but France managed to finish it off. It is a talent to get over the line under that pressure.

After a dominant victory against Italy, England must think their destiny is in their own hands. They have to forget about their opening loss against Scotland because they are going in the right direction.

They will focus on their next game against Wales, who were much-improved in round two when they beat Scotland.

If England play with the accuracy and intensity they had against Italy, they should be really confident.

But they are going to be pushed to the limit against Ireland and France in the last two rounds. They face Ireland at Twickenham, then travel to Paris — which is a very different prospect.

If it comes down to a very close game against France I would still be concerned about England's lack of experience, but they have got the talent to win the game.

Marcus Smith played brilliantly against Italy. It was not a fancy performance, it was more in the style of New Zealand great Dan Carter, where you thought he was just better than everyone else.

It was a bit like France scrum-half Antoine Dupont. He just does it every single