Former Wales international Dan Biggar believes that the only thing that could possibly stop Ireland's quest for another Grand Slam is their poor record at the home of English rugby, Twickenham.
Ireland swept France aside in their own backyard on Friday night in one of their most dominant displays in the Six Nations ever, and talk has immediately switched to another Grand Slam.
The Irish were without a number of players for the game in Marseille. This included retirees Keith Earls, Johnny Sexton, and injured stars Mack Hansen and Jimmy O'Brien. Despite this, the likes of debutants Calvin Nash, Joe McCarthy, and Jack Crowley all played like seasoned veterans in the record 17-38 Irish win.
Ireland now has three home games in Dublin left and one away, which is in Twickenham on March 9. It will take a brave man or woman to bet against Andy Farrell's troops from retaining their Six Nations crown in 2024.
Biggar, the former Welsh flyhalf, believes that Ireland is obviously the best team in the Six Nations and praised the team for their display in France. Their hardest test now will come at the home of English rugby at the start of March.
Over the past two decades, England and Ireland have fiercely competed in the Six Nations at Twickenham. Since the tournament's inception in 2000, Ireland has secured four victories at Twickenham, including notable wins in 2010, 2018, 2020, and 2022. On the flip side, England has won the tie on ten occasions.
(Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Biggar claims he finds it difficult to see past anyone, but Ireland will face a stern test against England in Twickenham on March 9 because of their poor record between the sides.
"Ireland was a cut above anything else this weekend. They were clinical, efficient, and organised. They have three games at home, which is a huge advantage," said Biggar in his column with Mail Sport.
"They don’t have a brilliant record at Twickenham, so that’s the only stumbling block I can see to them getting the Grand Slam.
"But Ireland was at their brutal best as they demolished France in Marseille on Friday night.
"On this weekend’s evidence, it’s hard to tip anyone but them for the title. There’s always a bit of transition after a World Cup, but Ireland looked right up to speed. That’s a reflection of Andy Farrell’s coaching, and he absolutely deserves the Lions coaching job next year.
"The Ireland players all knew what they were doing; they were in sync, and they had a clear plan. They moved the ball into the 13 channels and made gains. Jack Crowley had a daunting job taking over the No. 10 jersey from Johnny Sexton, but he marshalled the game and kicked his points."
Ireland's next game will be against Italy on February 11.
