Wales produced joyful rugby in Cardiff.

By Ben Parsons

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The phoney war is over, the Six Nations is underway, and rugby can finally move on from its lingering memories - whether pleasant or painful - of last year's world cup.

While France and Wales have something to build on, Ireland and Scotland are left licking their wounds, the bubble of ambition well and truly burst for both teams.

France denied the Irish the vengeance they sought for their humiliation in Melbourne. In fact, this 35-17 victory in the Stade de France was equally emphatic - Les Bleus are simply a cut above, and looked dangerous from anywhere on the pitch.

This was never demonstrated better than by Pascal Pape's debut try. France were harmlessly contained between their 22 and 10 metre lines, when full-back Nicholas Brusque surged down the centre of the field, dissecting the Irish defence.

A pass to winger Christophe Dominici carried the move on, and the Irish were horribly exposed. Dominici gave a one-handed overhead pass to Serge Betsen, who popped it across for lock Pape to go over the line.

The French could be accused of having flashes of genius - but you got the impression they did just as much as they had to on Saturday afternoon.

At times they looked capable of scoring at will. Ireland may have been fielding a weakened side, but even with the likes of Brian O'Driscoll or Geordan Murphy on the field, it is doubtful they could match the French potential to cause carnage.

Ronan O'Gara marshalled his troops well, and they looked in with a shout when they pulled a try back straight after the break.

But when backs were against the wall, O'Gara's tactical versatility was found wanting, and there was no way back for his spirited side.

Barring surprises, this result has consigned Ireland to a maximum third place.

France, on the other hand, proceed with their Grand Slam pretensions intact. Men like Betsen, Dominici, Elissalde and Michalak - on their day - can dominate anybody.

In the other match, Matt Williams' Scottish team were shown up in Cardiff, in a very harsh welcome to the top level for his debutants.

Wales' tactic was calculated to cripple Scottish hopes early - and that is exactly what they did.

Scotland's three-quarters were overwhelmed almost instantly as the Welsh back line ran at them and ran at them - distributing the ball with breathtaking speed, switching direction with bewildering aplomb, and running with an incisive flair not seen for many a year in Cardiff.

Steve Hansen's charges did him proud, and looked unstoppable in the first half.

By the time the Scots had caught their breath, they were two tries down and looked well-persuaded that there was no way back.

Welsh hearts were lifted - but the game fell flat in the second half.

Obviously the players' brief is to win - not simply to entertain - so things were always going to be tighter.

But it raises the question of whether the Welsh can sustain the devastating pace and panache they displayed on Saturday.

It remains to be seen whether away from home - and against more resolute, experienced opposition - they can reproduce this form.

And how well would they respond if their play was stifled by a master tactician like Woodward? How many tricks do they have up their sleeve?

If they can win in Dublin next week, we will have a much better indicator.

The the race is now on. France have thrown their hat into the ring. Wales have made a declaration of intent. Whether either team can challenge Sir Clive Woodward's side remains to be seen.