Wales legend Sam Warburton admits he is wary of Ireland not only winning this year’s Six Nations, but dominating the tournament over the next few editions.
Andy Farrell’s side are defending last year’s victory and have began the tournament with two bonus-point wins from two.
“How good have they been in this Six Nations so far? Truly outstanding,” Warburton wrote for The Times. “And the next question I would ask is not whether anyone can cope with them in this tournament, but whether anyone can cope with them for the next few years…
“There is something noticeably different about Ireland now, compared even with the World Cup last autumn. I have watched their two matches and one thought has consumed me throughout: they look so much more powerful than before.
“In the past it has been a criticism thrown at them, and indeed Leinster, that they could be overpowered, but not now…
“Everyone has upped their level of physicality, with the lock Joe McCarthy a brilliant addition, but the likes of Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan have noticeably increased their effectiveness in contact…
This is taking them to another level, one which I don’t think any team in the Six Nations can cope with.”