Perhaps it was fate that the Six Nations billed as the most competitive in history would begin with a clash of extreme imbalance. Saturday’s tournament opener in Dublin was an immediate display of Ireland’s title credentials, a decisive dismissal of a hapless Wales. But for some uncharacteristic red-zone profligacy and indecision in at-times challenging conditions the winning margin would have better reflected a contest that only one side were ever in.
Ireland’s evolution can be more definitely assessed after what will surely be a sterner challenge against France next week, but this was another performance of positives. Andy Farrell, Ireland’s head coach, continues to build through a ninth successive win.
