Hitting a brick wall

I have always felt England might be vulnerable in this Six Nations. They have put together a long run of wins, losing only one out of their last 26 games. Some critics will question the quality of their opponents in many of those games and complain that they have not been tested against the best in the world.

But those critics would be missing the point - and seriously talking down the quality that is now on offer in the northern hemisphere. What England have shown is a deep well of reserves and mental strength. They have managed to keep going and deliver wins, even when they have been playing poorly or had to dig themselves out of a hole. This is something special and should be applauded.

My concern, however, is that - like a stock market bull run - there is a top to be called in every cycle, even if only for a reset of expectations before further gains. England have dug deep and ridden their luck and, while there is a good counter-argument that you make your own luck in sport, at some point they are likely to come up against a Herculean performance by one of their rivals. Everyone wants to beat them.