SCHMIDT WARY OF TITLE TALK

HAVING masterminded an unbeaten autumn campaign, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt will turn his attention to reclaiming the Six Nations title. Schmidt guided Ireland to back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015 but England have seized control in the past two seasons. England and Ireland meet for a potential championship decider on the final day, but Schmidt — whose side secured a convincing 28-19 win over Argentina on Saturday — is refusing to look too far ahead. Ireland start their Six Nations campaign with a tricky game against an unpredictable France side in Paris. ‘It’s going to be tough,’ he said. ‘I remember a few years ago France had a fantastic autumn series and then didn’t perform in the Six Nations. ‘Another time they go to a World Cup (in 2011), they lose to Tonga, they almost lose to one of the other not particularly strong teams and then they nearly beat New Zealand in the final.’