As we enter the final stages of this year's Six Nations, there is no doubt that Ireland are by far the best team in the competition at the moment. Not only are they the only undefeated side in this year's championship, but they have also consistently played at a level that seems out of reach for the five other teams at the moment.
Of course, this has also led to questions surrounding the best team in world rugby.
South Africa's triumph at last year's World Cup saw them crowned as the best side in the game, although Ireland's resurgence has led to many calling that into question.
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Most of those associated with South African rugby are probably not all that pleased with some labelling Ireland as the world's best team, although others have admitted that the tag is very much up for grabs.
Speaking to Planet Rugby, 1995 World Cup winning Springboks star Joel Stransky said that there is definitely 'some ambiguity' over who is the best team in the world between Ireland and South Africa. However, he did say it is difficult to judge due to the lack of quality in the Six Nations this year.
They are the real deal, I love watching them.
Their line-up is formidable, they play fast, they use the width of the field and every player is a skilful ball handler, each capable of cleaning out and rucking, carrying and running into space, offloading out the tackle and making great decisions.
It’s quite unique. I don’t think any other team in the world plays quite like it and, rightly, they’re one of the top two teams in the game...
Down here we look at it at the moment and see England evolving, still trying to work out where they are going.
Scotland are playing above their weight in many ways, but France without Dupont are not the French team they were in the build up to the World Cup.
So we see Ireland and we’re not sure whether they’ve stepped up or everyone else has just come back a yard...
There’s definitely some ambiguity around who the best team in the world is.
Ireland will travel to take on South Africa in a two-test series this summer, a pair of games that will go a long way towards deciding the bragging rights between the sides for the foreseeable future.
For now, Andy Farrell's side will be solely focused on winning a second consecutive Grand Slam in the Six Nations.
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