'I see them being Ireland’s biggest competitor in the next couple of years'

Former Ireland scrumhalf Peter Stringer has pinpointed England as Ireland's main competitors going forward, following what in the end turned out to be a closely contested Six Nations campaign.

Despite Ireland's triumph, it was their penultimate game — a loss to England at Twickenham — that might people sit up and take notice of England, who had theretofore disappointed.

England's unyielding intensity throughout the 80 minutes showcased the high stakes of the rivalry, with Ireland narrowly missing out on a win. This match - according to Stringer - highlighted England's standing as a formidable opponent for Ireland going forward.

"The game against England at Twickenham – which, for me, was the best game of the tournament – was a prime example," Stringer told Betway. "England played at an incredibly high intensity for 80 minutes, and Ireland could still have nicked it. It was a disappointing result, but it’s a mark of where Ireland have got to.

"England were relentless for the whole game. They dominated those tackles more often than not, and the knock-on effect at the breakdown just stopped Ireland from playing. What is normally two-second ruck ball become four-second ruck ball, meaning receivers had to stall their runs and couldn’t come onto the ball at pace.

"I thought England were incredible in the last two games and, for me, Ben Earl was the standout player in the tournament. They look like they’re really building something under Steve Borthwick and I see them being Ireland’s biggest competitor in the next couple of years with some of the uncertainty around France and their coaching staff."

Despite the emergence of England as a force, Stringer sees Ireland as being in a strong position.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, Ireland would have taken back-to-back championships – albeit without a second consecutive Grand Slam – before the tournament began. The fact they did so without playing particularly well in some of their games just shows what a good place Irish rugby is currently in.

"There’s a real continuity in the team no matter who plays. Johnny Sexton was Andy Farrell’s coach on the field – he was the eyes and the voice that controlled everything – but Jack Crowley has really stepped up to the plate in that key position. There had a few injuries, which is always disruptive, but Calvin Nash, Robbie Henshaw and Ciaran Frawley just slotted in when required.

"They’re so well-drilled, with a real focus and cohesion that means teams have got to be at their very best for 80 minutes to beat them. That’s a very difficult place to get to, and I can only see it growing from here."