Former England fly-half and Sky Sports broadcaster Stuart Barnes has said it would be nice if Ireland take the Six Nations crown as a fitting send-off for the retiring Brian O'Driscoll.
Writing in his column on the Sky Sports website, Barnes said that while England are finally beginning to excite him, and will be serious World Cup contenders at home next year, he acknowledged that both they and Ireland are a class apart from the rest of the championship field.
Paris and a hat-trick was where the legend was born. It would be fitting to finish there for the man, the greatest European rugby player of professional times and one of the greatest rugby players it has been my pleasure to watch.
Commenting on each of the six nations in turn, he said of England:
"As for England, this is the first time since the Woodward team when I have watched them with a frisson of excitement. They are starting to improve at the rate South Africa has been in their last year. These two teams represent a serious challenge to the All Blacks... For the first time in 11 years England truly has a team capable of winning the World Cup.
"In many ways I hope they have to settle for second this season. Ireland and England are head and shoulders above the rest and it would be good for the game to see it thus reflected in the table.''
Referencing BOD being dropped by Warren Gatland, Barnes said:
"The whole Lions thing was a circus. He had no right to selection because of who he was. I actually was amongst the media who prior to the Sydney match would have picked him but only because I felt the Lions needed his experience and leadership, not because of who he is. I would like to see him win in Paris because it just feels right. As for England, I sense their time is coming."
Barnes' sentiments were echoed by Jonathan Davies, who said after England defeated his beloved Wales that he hoped Ireland would win the championship for Brian O'Driscoll. Both pundits' comments will be welcomed on this side of the Irish Sea but Barnes' sporting words were particularly surprising considering his undoubted allegiance to the Red Rose.
