CAN ANDY WHIP IT UP ONCE MORE?

NOTWITHSTANDING events in the Cotswolds this week where Ireland's Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott will no lord it majestically, the best use of the whip we have seen has been from Andy Farrell post-Paris.

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It seems weird that rugby's 1/14 Six Nations favourites France fell last week and, back in the saddle again, are still leading and priced 1/4 to win the title.

This Saturday they will know the Ireland-Scotland result some four hours before taking the field against England in Paris too.

They could need as few as two points to win the tournament if Ireland struggle past the Scots but they could need as many as five match points if Scotland thrash the Irish.

But then that latter scenario is unlikely.

Ireland are 1/2 favourites to beat Scotland, whose home form might be encouraging but whose away form is debilitating.

They haven't beaten Ireland at Lansdowne Road since 1998, albeit they have a 2007 Croke Park win.

While there is something to be said for Ireland's doggedness this term, there is even more to be said for Farrell's cussedness.