Watched the Ireland v France game again this morning. The French looked good coming up to half time and had the momentum at the start of the second half, but Ireland's bench had a greater influence than expected. Casey created faster ball from the rucks, Byrne's decision-making and tactical kicking was near-perfect, Henderson and O'Toole tipped the balance between the packs into Ireland's favour. For years now Ireland's issue has been the absence of strength in depth, but the list of players who missed that game yesterday is notable. Earls, Conway, Henshaw, Gibson-Park, Furlong, Healy, Sheehan... Goodness me. And it was a tight call for motm because Van Der Flier and James Lowe also had excellent games. I honestly thought CJ Stander's retirement would hurt Ireland more than it has, and that's some tribute to Caelan Doris.
France deserve a mention too: their discipline has been completely revolutionised. The Shaun Edwards effect, presumably. Dupont could easily have been named motm and no-one would disagree, Fickou and Penaud looked incredibly dangerous... Perhaps the back row was a little off the pace, but not by much. Tight five were very good - mobile, precise, good handling - with Antonio's yellow card being the only negative. I can see France v Scotland being very exciting.