At this moment in time Ireland are the best rugby team in the Northern Hemisphere. Some might debate that but, if we're going by the rankings, that's a fact. And it's quite an achievement for a national team that up until not long ago was much more used to the the feel of a wooden spoon than a glinting trophy.
As such, it's difficult to know where to draw the line when it comes to praise for a team that has brought, and hopefully continues to bring, such success. Perhaps we're guilty of over-praise at times. Ireland's brand of rugby seems to be picking up more and more detractors by the week, not that we should let that take away from the kind of wins we're seeing of course.
The common consensus seems to be that Ireland are an exceptional team as opposed to a team of exceptional players. Beyond the team unit, you have a couple of shining lights with Johnny Sexton undoubtedly being one of those shining lights.
The returning Leinster man was shortlisted for the World Rugby player of the year award in 2014 and, as such, when it comes to picking the best out-half in the world, there's no doubt he's in with a shout (although not everyone would agree with that). Which brings us on to Gerry Thornley's analysis of Sunday's win over England on Off The Ball on Wednesday evening.
Thornley not only suggested that Sexton was the best no.10 in world rugby but he went as far as saying that his partner in kicking crime (as some are suggesting) Conor Murray, is also the best no.9 in the game.
What has happened in front of our eyes is that Brian O'Driscoll has retired, but Ireland possibly now has got the best 9 and 10 in the world. Not just the best 10, but the best 9 as well.
We'd suggest that New Zealanders would have something to say about that claim given Aaron Smith's claim to being the world's best scrum-half.
There's absolutely no doubt that Murray has continuously improved at a remarkable rate since his introduction to the Ireland setup but is it right to call him the best in the world? You can hear Thornley's full analysis here:
