Ronan O'Gara was pitch-side on Thursday night in Paris, so he got a close-up view of France's mauling of Ireland. When he read Andy Farrell's quotes about his team lacking "fight" and "intent", he could empathise with the Ireland coach because he's been trying to regenerate his La Rochelle team for two seasons.
This competition doesn't deserve these two. Once again, in the depth of rugby's bleak midwinter, they served up a game for the ages that was settled by a kick at the death.