Netflix documentary crew onto a winner as Ireland's Six Nations looks like real blockbuster

The headline in Midi Olympique - the iconic French sports publication - said it all yesterday: 'The King of the world is Irish'.

Andy Farrell's players are hot property now. The hype around this team will be dialled up to 11. If they manage to go on and seal a Grand Slam, it will be borderline hysteria in the lead-up to the World Cup.

Farrell and his crew will keep their feet on the ground, though. They know how quickly things can change. The grim campaign of 2019 remains a very recent warning from history.

Saying all that, Saturday's pulsating win against France was a huge statement. Everyone is taking notice. This Ireland squad would happily go about their business in the most low-key approach as possible. It's not going to be the case, however.

The Netflix cameras have been rolling in recent weeks and you'd imagine the producers are about to zero in on Farrell and his ambitious squad.

It feels like Ireland are going to be the focus of this upcoming series, due for release in 2024.

In terms of a binge-worthy show, this operation ticks all the boxes. In Farrell, they have a Game of Thrones-esque leader with the steely demeanour.

Johnny Sexton, Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray are the grizzled veterans with points to prove. James Lowe is the wildcard. Finlay Bealham is the underdog who finds his bite.

And of course, there is the seemingly unstoppable charge to the Six Nations title and the Grand Slam, on St Patrick's weekend, on Sexton's final appearance at Ireland HQ with auld enemy England, led by Farrell's own son, bidding to spoil the party.

Netflix are on to a certain winner here, surely?

Farrell was quick to press pause on any such notions in the Aviva Stadium press conference centre, however.

There is the small matter of a trip to Rome to face the ever improving Italians, for starters, in a fortnight's time. Tackling the Scots in Murrayfield is hardly going to be a cakewalk either.

For years, the game against the Azzurri was seen as the chance to rest a few frontliners and mix things up. The gimme game in such an attritional tournament. The game which Ireland traditionally cruise through.

Farrell quickly shot down that line of inquiry when it arrived via the press pack on Saturday evening.

'No, they don't,' the Ireland head coach countered.

The 2013 debacle at Stadio Olimpico always focuses the mind, a costly defeat which effectively cost Declan Kidney his job. And Italy are even more dangerous these days.

Ireland have two weeks to prepare for the trip to the Eternal City, and it doesn't sound like Farrell is going to mix things up too much in the third round. For the Ireland boss, keeping the good vibes going is the top priority.

'We've a couple of days off now, and a well-earned couple of days off, because the body of work that we've put in has been fantastic in such a short space of time. So, a well-earned rest, bounce into work Thursday and Friday, and then a weekend off, and then into a proper Test match week.

'But the reality is, like I've always said to you, about the competition for places.

'I mean, when you get a chance you've got to be ready, and I think that's evident in the showings that we've had over the last couple of weeks.'

This Six Nations was always going to be a battle on multiple fronts. The morale-boosting benefits of landing the title can't be overestimated in a World Cup year. Still, you need plenty of reinforcements as well.

The results and performances have been excellent. A maximum haul of 10 points after two rounds is impressive.

The most pleasing aspect, undoubtedly, is the exposure for so many so-called fringe players.

Bealham getting an extended run at tighthead will stand to this squad down the line. Tom O'Toole's eye-catching late cameo was encouraging.

Rob Herring is an ultra-reliable back-up to Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher. The Ulster hooker is a different kind of player to Leinster's dynamic duo, but he brings plenty of other qualities to the table. Tom Stewart is also training away in the background. He remains a bit raw, but his potential is enormous.

Dave Kilcoyne, the supposed third-choice loosehead, is getting plenty of minutes. It's the same story with Jack Conan, Craig Casey, Ross Byrne and Bundee Aki.

Farrell already knows that Jimmy O'Brien can step in seamlessly across multiple positions. The likes of Joe McCarthy, Jack Crowley, Ryan Baird and Gavin Coombes are waiting in the wings.

And, crucially, Ireland are achieving great things despite being shorn of Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson-Park and Robbie Henshaw.

A trio of players who you could have placed in the 'irreplaceable' bracket just a few short weeks ago. Imagine how good Ireland can be when they get that trio back on board.

So, this group is in a pretty good place at the moment. It sounds like changes will be kept to a minimum ahead of the Italy game on February 25.

There are likely to be a few enforced changes after Herring's failed HIA and Tadhg Beirne's leg injury, with the Munster lock leaving the stadium on crutches and wearing a moon boot.

It will be a case of 'next man up' in Rome. The Six Nations is the major focus at the moment, but having a squad which can absorb so many injuries and keep the show on the road bodes very well for the big one in France later this year.

Farrell and Co will pay little heed to all the outside noise. But they better get used to it.

Ireland are the biggest show in town now. Especially after they played their part in arguably the most entertaining first half of rugby in the championship's long, illustrious history.

The best 40 minutes in Farrell's own career?

'I dunno, I'll have to watch it back,' he said.

'It was end to end, wasn't it.

There was some phenomenal stuff at times.'

Ireland are box-office entertainment these days. This Netflix series is just the beginning.