England dream shamrocked

SO, all-conquering England have been sent packing along with the snakes having had their week-long joint Grand Slam and 2019 World Cup victory parties well and truly pooped.

We’re getting used to hitting the big ones where it hurts – just ask New Zealand, Australia or South Africa if you need reminding. England and their not-so-shy coach Eddie Jones should have known better coming hither, expecting us to roll over and have our tummies tickled.

No doubt the World Champions-elect were disappointed to head home without both the Webb Ellis Cup and the next three Slams neatly packaged away. Judging by the widespread delerium which followed last night’s victory at Aviva Stadium, though, Ireland must now be favourites for 2018, ’19 and beyond?

It doesn’t work that way, though, unfortunately.