The English Media Are Fully Onboard The Irish Hype Train

We've already written about the French media reaction to Ireland's blockbuster win over Les Bleus on Saturday afternoon, and we've also covered Stephen Jones' usual flame stoking reaction.

It is all part of the unequivocal complimentary coverage of this Irish side from press around the world, of which the English media have been a firm part of.

The most sensational headline, and one that we ourselves would admit is a tad hyperbolic, came from Alex Lowe's article for The Times, which read:

England’s best XV is in flux . . . Ireland’s second string could win Six Nations

'England, meanwhile, have wasted all that time fiddling,' the article continued. 'While Ireland — with a system geared to prioritise the national team — and France have streaked ahead. New Zealand have been quietly improving too. All three, plus South Africa, are on the same side of the World Cup draw.'

Owen Slot's piece, for the same publication, had similar tones, also lauding over Ireland's depth.

'Andy Farrell’s Ireland have strength in depth to take on the world.

'Ireland now have a greater strength in depth than ever before. Consider, also, that they started this game without three players who would be dead-certs in a present Lions XV: Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan and Robbie Henshaw.

'This was a brilliant, relentlessly high standard game which was in the balance right up until Ireland’s fourth try in the 71st minute, yet they saw out the last 24 minutes of the game with their second choice No 10 and their third-choice No 9. There is back-up, now, in every position bar, arguably, full back.'

The English Media In Awe After Ireland Take Down France

11 February 2023; Hugo Keenan of Ireland breaks away from Thomas Ramos of France during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and France at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

READ HERE: Ireland vs France : Rob Kearney Sums Up The Enormity Of Ross Byrne's Performance Against France

Caelan Doris, who produced one of the great Irish performances, was singled out for praise by a number of media outlets.

'A scrap between him and Ardie Savea for the No 8 jersey in a world XV has become a reality. Absurd yet again, his pass for the match-sealing try was as good as they come. 10/10,' wrote Charles Richardson in his player ratings for the Telegraph.

Gavin Mairs then went as far as to proclaim Doris as the best player in the world:

'But what stood out was the detail, physical prowess and energy of Ireland's performance, typified by the outstanding display by No 8, Caelan Doris, who now must be regarded as the best player in the world at the tender age of just 24.'

Becky Grey and BBC Sport also got in on the Doris love-in:

'Sticking with the game of the weekend, there are obviously many Ireland players who could make this list after they ended France's Grand Slam defence in such style.

'Top of the charts is number eight Caelan Doris, whose ability to involve himself in everything made it seem as if there were two of him on the pitch.'

'Ireland were glorious in a Six Nations classic against France.'

While it may feel strange to some, it is rewarding to read the recognition from our rivals across the Irish sea.

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