The Barmy Army showcase the best of English character

Not everyone likes the Six Nations — a recent well-received book on the state of rugby union described it as a ‘mean motherfucker’: it is by far the biggest institution in rugby and its revenues easily outstrip the World Cup. But, argues author Mike Aylwin, the Six Nations is run by itself for itself, and the ‘interests of the game’ don’t figure in its remit unless its prosperity is threatened by neglecting those interests. Oh well, you can’t please everybody all the time. Less forensic souls such as myself will always find it a comforting harbinger of spring, and compelling entertainment.

The biggest game of this year’s edition is on Sunday. France and England are the only potential winners of the contest. Ireland seem over the hill, however brilliant Andy Farrell’s coaching skills. They are too dependent on an ageing back row, backed up by Johnny Sexton’s kicking. Wales aren’t as good as they thought they were, though teenage wonderboy Louis Rees-Zammit could be electrifying on the wing.