Analysing results in the Guinness Women's Six Nations requires more than a black and white outlook.
The first three rounds of the 2024 championship give the impression that what we thought was a two-tier tournament has probably splintered into three.
England have moved up a gear with the arrival of head coach John Mitchell, and now look a level above France, who have been unconvincing at times, in spite of their 100% record.
The third tier, however, looks very competitive, and with two weeks left to go Ireland, Italy and Scotland all harbour realistic hopes of a third-place finish.
Ireland currently sit third in the table after last week's impressive win against Wales, but face the daunting prospect of England away tomorrow afternoon, in front of more than 45,000 people at Twickenham. Mercifully for Scotland and Italy, they've both taken their medicine against England earlier in the competition.
It's nine years since Ireland last beat England, and with a combined scoreline of 117-0 across their last two meetings, the reality is that Scott Bemand's (below) side will almost certainly lose on Saturday.
At times it will probably be hard to sit through Saturday's game, which will serve as an 80-minute reminder of what could have been had the IRFU not dropped the ball so badly in the women's game since their 2015 title win.
There's no changing the past though. While the current Irish team are building their way back up from the bottom, it appears that the right foundations are bring put in place, better late than never.
With hopes of a third-place finish, there's still plenty for Ireland to play for at Twickenham.
Points difference may well prove crucial in the race for third place, while keeping some level of momentum is also vital ahead of what will be a pivotal game in Belfast next week against Scotland.
Centre Eve Higgins admits to being realistic about Ireland's chances against the runaway leaders on Saturday.
"It is literally that we go into every game and look at the opponents and acknowledge that this is the best team in the world, but at the end of the day we have our systems and our processes and we have our goals," the 24-year-old said.
"It is about backing all those things, to come out of the game proud with what we have accomplished and having taken our opportunities."
Saturday's game will actually be Higgins' first time playing England, having missed the 2023 and 2022 games due to her Sevens commitments.
"It's hugely exciting. They have a lot of threats and they have probably been the world's best team consistently for the last 10 years and maybe longer.
"It’s hugely exciting and especially to play at Twickenham, because a lot of girls in the squad haven’t had that opportunity.
"It’s rare for women’s rugby that you would get to play in front of a crowd that large. It [ticket sales] was at 45,000 with a few days still to go and it is just hugely exciting and a fantastic opportunity for us to play in such an iconic place and in front of so many people," she added.
Ireland's preparations for England have been dented with the loss of Sam Monaghan, meaning Hannah O'Connor comes into the second row, and Edel McMahon takes on the solo captaincy.
McMahon, who returned to the side for last week's win over Wales says the team are excited, rather than daunted, by the challenge.
"There's definitely been a bit more confidence heading to England, but I think the mood in general has been good week-on-week," the flanker said.
"I think heading onto England, people are excited to have a crack at them.
"I think it will be similar to how we approached the French week as well.
"We've already started having conversations about key strengths or weaknesses that we can spot in individuals in that team and going after them. In fairness, a lot of the girls are very aware actually from watching Premiership games themselves.
"There's again an element of familiarity, similar to the Welsh game, that we can go after. Like I said, people are actually relishing this challenge."
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