The criticism has been rife of Ireland after a disappointing 2025 Six Nations which saw a three-peat attempt culminate in a third-place finish.
Their Grand Slam success in 2023 was followed by an emphatic title defence 12 months on, in which Ireland notably obliterated rivals France in Marseille.
France exacted revenge with a demolition job of Ireland this time around, en route to their 2025 Championship success.
That loss was the sole defeat of Ireland’s campaign, however England would also suffer just one defeat, putting more points on the board to pip Ireland to second place.
Ireland beat England in round one before comfortably getting by Scotland, but struggled in wins against tournament outsiders Wales and Italy.
The…