Humphreys - brilliant display.

By Dave Ord

The one-horse race that was the 2003 Six Nations at 3pm on Sunday is now over.

Ireland are the real deal.

They did not have to be at their best to demolish a poor Scotland side at Murrayfield but there is no doubting a backline brimming with penetration is the best in the competition.

Brian O'Driscoll was again outstanding, breaking almost at will and lighting up the afternoon with his fleet of foot.

David Humphreys wasn't far behind for a near faultless display of kicking at fly-half and as he grew in confidence, there were hints of a strong running game too.

Geordan Murphy and Denis Hickie are three-quarters of flair and pace and all in all the green machine will take some stopping.

The Irish pack needs to lay the platform for any success and despite the odd blip in the line-out, functioned well against Ian McGeechan's side.

The final round of games sees England travel to Dublin.

It was supposed to be a Grand Slam coronation for Clive Woodward's men after Saturday's defeat of France. We may all need to think again now.

Scotland tried hard for long periods but lacked any real ideas on how to cross the line.

Brendan Laney had one or two promising moments but Gordon Ross' only real contributions came via the boot.

There is a clear lack of pace in McGeechan's side and the fact Ireland were able to lay their Murrayfield hoodoo with such consumate ease, offers further proof there are two competitions within one in 2003.

The gap is widening.