The rugby world will be in the unfamiliar position of wanting England to win in a fortnight. Scotland, in particular, will be wishing it hard. Ireland are six points clear of the field after three rounds, which means a bonus-point victory at Twickenham in round four would yield them the title, even before the visit of Scotland in round five. Just a win would all but guarantee it.
“It sets it up nicely,” said Andy Farrell, “because we’ve earned the right to get to that point. But going to Twickenham, everyone knows how difficult a task that is. We will certainly be looking forward to that after the fallow week.”
