Ireland cautious about their chances of winning the Rugby World Cup this year

So much for one-dimensional Ireland, for they played a game of breathtaking variety.

So much for their line-out being a weakness, for they scored four tries off that phase.

So much for Paul O'Connell being past his best, for the 35-year-old captain was a towering figure throughout.

So much for those who said that Ireland could never back up one title win with another.

Ireland are the champions of 2015, and deservedly so.

Supporters of England and Wales might despair at Scotland's feeble efforts to stop them building a score, but O'Connell and his men won the game and the tournament…