The reigning champions are the only side to have claimed victory in their opening two fixtures and look on course for a third straight title and potential Grand Slam – even without head coach Andy Farrell at the reins.
Farrell, who led Ireland to the 2024 Six Nations, has been tasked with leading the British and Irish Lions on their tour of Australia this summer, and is set to announce his squad this April.
But with speculation it could be a very Irish-heavy contingent, can Farrell really ignore the big-name players among the rest of the British nations?
Here’s a look at the competition for places in the Lions squad for the tour of Australia this summer.
An Irish-dominated attack for the Lions
The front row will in all likelihood be dominated by Irish players with Andrew Porter and Dan Sheehan more or less guaranteed to feature.
They could be joined by Scotland’s Zander Ferguson to complete the trio, but Farrell could turn to Irishman Tadgh Furlong despite the prop seeing limited game time recently.
England’s Jamie George, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Scotsman Ewan Ashman will do their best to pry the No. 2 position from Sheehan, but that will prove a difficult task given the Irishman’s latest standout performances.
England skipper Maro Itoje is one of the few British players almost certain to be involved and will likely will lead the second row, possibly being paired up with the Irish duo of Joe McCarthy and James Ryan.
Welshman Dafydd Jenkins is another option for Farrell, while Ireland’s Ryan Baird will also be hoping to make it into the squad.
Ireland captain Caelan Doris is considered by many to be the best candidate to lead the Lions in Australia and should form the back row along with compatriots Josh van der Flier and Tadhg Bernie.
England’s Jack Willis is also a strong contender for a back row position with his excellent form for Toulouse this season. But he would miss the opening three games of the tour if Toulouse make it to the Top 14 final, which could limit his chances.
Either Wales’ Jack Morgan or fellow Englishman Ben Earl are the other names in the frame who could be selected as replacements for Doris.
More British representation in the Lions’ defence
At scrum-half Ireland’s Jamison-Gibson Park will be the favourite though he will face strong competition from England’s Alex Mitchell and Welshman Tomos Williams.
Scotland’s Finn Russell is locked in for the No.10 shirt with his incredible performances over the last year, but Farrell has the option to use England’s Marcus Smith if he wants to add some variety to his half-back positions.
Scotland’s Sione Tuipolotu and Huw Jones may come in as Farrell’s centres, but the Irish duo of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose will also be competing for gametime.
Blair Kinghorn has been amazing for Toulouse this season and would be an ideal choice for Farrell at full-back if available, with Ireland’s Hugo Keenan a reliable back-up. The wings are likely to be occupied by Keenan’s compatriots Mack Hansen and James Lowe.