NICK CAIN

Ireland's trouncing of France in Marseille – a record Irish win on French soil – trashed most pundits prediction of a Gallic Grand Slam, including yours truly.
Where Ireland were outstanding in securing an opening five try bonus point victory, turning their World Cup dismay into a powerful potion, France were as flat as a crepe, with none of their autumn verve and cohesion.

The collective bite, accuracy, discipline and energy that has characterised the French defensive game since the arrival of Shaun Edwards was missing in action, and Ireland punished their frequent lapses r...