They did all they could. Apart from winning in Paris, of course. But Ireland finished their Six Nations deliriously brandishing the triple crown in front of their euphoric faithful, as well as a fifth bonus point of five. Alas, one of those happened to be in defeat, the one in Paris. They have no doubt pored over that already, identified why they lost, how they could have won, but they quickly returned to the business of winning with gusto and should feel at least as well placed as France as 2023 grows ever nearer.
Whichever way you look at it, Ireland continue to develop impressive momentum. Here they were too powerful for a visiting Scotland side who played with all the brio and pace we have come to expect – but without the heavy-duty weaponry that lifts Ireland into a category above.
