Ireland
A James Ryan knock-on away from the perfect tournament. Five wins, each by a margin of 10 points or more, demonstrate just how dominant Andy Farrell’s side have been. Immediately after victory against England cemented their fourth grand slam – and first to be won in Dublin – they were looking towards the World Cup with confidence, embracing the expectation that has traditionally laid heavily. This is not a criticism but there is something brutally mechanical about Ireland. A system working with maximum efficiency, no wastage, with everything and everyone in unison. There is strength in depth, too – burnished on the five-game tour of New Zealand last summer – and, though their route is daunting, they have every right to head to the World Cup as favourites. But, while it is a truism, they will need a slice of luck with Johnny Sexton’s fitness if they are to become only the second side from the northern hemisphere to be crowned world champions.
