World Cup Final that never was will go a long way in determining fate of this year’s Six Nations

Ulster's Tom Stewart with Ireland veteran Cian Healy during a training session

Ruaidhri O’Connor

They say rugby is slow to innovate, but the Six Nations is kicking off with its final on the opening night.

Back in the days when England and France worried openly about the standard of competition not being up to scratch, there was a drive to have the big two face off in a quasi-final.