England’s performance has been put down to a lot of factors, not least fatigue. Some people buy into it, others don’t.

For me, the figures tell a simple story – and a lot has to do with the British and Irish Lions. In the season directly after a Lions tour, the results show a clear impact from the efforts that have been expended.

The post-Lions winners are as follows: 1998 France Grand Slam; 2002 France Grand Slam; 2006 France won title (England lost three); 2010 France won title (England lost two and drew one); 2014 England were second to Ireland.

France benefited at the expense of Lions tourists for many years.

Ireland’s ability to top the table can be linked to the timing of their central...