Friday night in Cardiff saw Wales take on France, a match in which the French started like a whirlwind and thereafter sat back and defended, or so it seemed. That's probably not a fair reflection on the Welsh effort, actually, as they fought back superbly, albeit there was only one real, gilt-edged, try scoring opportunity spurned. Chapeaux, in particular to Messrs Biggar and Faletau, both of whom were magnificent. The Shaun Edwards-drilled French defence, however, prevailed and France march on to Paris and a near-certain Grand Chelem.

On Saturday we started with Italy vs Scotland in Rome, a game I missed as I was en route to Twickenham. By all accounts the Scots were good for their win whilst never being wholly convincing while the Italians, as is their want, played well in patches - an 11 points defeat being slightly better than I had predicted.

And so to England vs Ireland at Twickenham and a match thrown into chaos in the second minute with the (correct under the laws) sending off of England lock Charlie Ewels. England's defiant response, especially among the forwards - with Itoje, Lawes and Genge the standouts - was rousing and uplifting yet ultimately nowhere near enough. That Ireland took so long to really press home their advantage will, I would have thought, be a concern to Andy Farrell. However, that England supporters are somehow taking solace in "gallant defeat" - in what was a record loss at home to the Irish - shows just how far our expectations have sunk - more on that in another post...

TF Team of Round 4:

15. Hugo Keenan 14. Darcy Graham 13. Jonathan Danty 12. Chris Harris 11. James Lowe 10. Dan Biggar 9. Antoine Dupont 1. Ellis Genge 2. Dan Sheehan 3. Uino Atonio 4. Maro Itoje 5. Courtney Lawes 6. Anthony Jelonch 7. Josh van der Flier 8. Taulupe Faletau