There have been nine matches playing in the 2015 edition of the North’s grandest international tournament, so we thought we should run through nine things that have caught the attention of many.

This list is in no particular order.

Sexton is the most dangerous man in Europe

If Ireland is becoming – or has become – the biggest local threat ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, then the most dangerous man among the squad is Jonathan Sexton.

Hailed in the old continent as the best number ten operating in the game, his performance against England showed why he is held is such esteem. First five-eighths in the Southern Hemisphere might bristle at this tag but won’t deny the perils the 29-year-old can bring to an opposition defence.

Sergio Parisse should enjoy celebration

The outstanding back row forward, one of the heroes of Italian Rugby during what is been a difficult transition into consistent Six Nations competitiveness, will reflect back fondly on the Edinburgh triumph.

The 22-19 victory was just Italy’s second away success since being admitted to Europe’s highest table, and while Parisse said it doesn’t change much in a tough year for the Italians via their domestic teams, it was an important step forward.

Ireland not home yet

For all of the Irish success they have trips to Cardiff and Edinburgh before they can start thinking about glorious achievements and being hailed in the same breath as the fantastic side of 1949, who were led to Triple Crown success by Karl Mullen a year after claiming the Grand Slam.

A Guinness may have been consumed and rightfully so, but this Ireland team’s ten straight wins match a record, so all will be aware the group is heading into uncharted territory.





Or as the Irish have said, we haven't actually won anything yet. Gatland’s French comments hit home There is no top level domestic competition that ‘boasts’ as many elite level imports as the Top 14 and other French leagues – and on a club front this doesn’t hurt – high profile names turning out week after week does wonders for the gate fees and the merchandising. However some players, Welsh individuals playing in France, clearly handed over some enemy intelligence based on Gatland’s admission that knowledge was freely exchanged.





Every big signing stops a budding French player from featuring at the top level, which in turn might mean an opposition Test player is nestled among Les Bleus squad members stealing national secrets. Schmidt becoming Superman Joe Schmidt is working his magic. The one time Ranfurly Shield coach has now matched Ireland’s greatest ever winning streak (10). This victory comes after England ruined their Grand Slam dream last year - their last loss - and now Argentina (twice), Australia and South Africa have been conquered. Keeping a lid on expectations will be key. If the mighty feat of a Slam is achieved, it will be difficult for the Irish to keep their craic under control heading into the Rugby World Cup. Warrenball can work Coaches the world over will grumble and rightfully so when they hear the tag ‘Warrenball’, effectively describing the Welsh coach’s preference to employ heavy ball carriers to cause maximum damage around the edges of the ruck. This is not an unique tactic to Wales. But what would have impressed the Welsh coaching staff is that despite France playing a lot better than they were given credit for, while providing the usual physical challenge, were unable to stop a tactic they knew was coming. This will give the Red Dragons and Gatland confidence, and for their Six Nations rivals, that is real jeopardy. Henshaw gives Ireland Nonu/SBW type attack The weight of a player, like any human being, can be a fickle thing, but most guides agree that 21-year-old Athlone born Robbie Henshaw, weighs just over 16 stone in the old language (102kg).





They may not have the hands that throw passes like silk rain in the midfield (BOD), but the Irish now have a raw power that looks at home in chaos of an international centre channel. The athletic back scored what was, considering England’s fight back in the back end, the match winning try. More importantly it has ensured that Ireland need only pay their respects to Brian O’Driscoll. They need not mourn his absence with the likes of the Connacht wunderkind stepping into the midfield. England will eventually adjust in game The pleasing sign for Stuart Lancaster was that his team displayed three aspects – match fitness, confidence despite being seemingly down and out, and that will that all coaches want their teams to have. The will to never stop fighting until every second of the match has been played out, a trait the All Blacks have been displaying for many years now. Irish critics will argue that maybe their emerald tinted team is still to discover this asset.



