Now that the dust is settling and the process of rebuilding bridges is in full swing, it is only right to acknowledge that, in a sense, Warren Gatland had a point about the English.
The problem for the Lions coach is that a clumsy explanation of his views has gone a long way to mask a valid argument. But the Kiwi's assertion that the English are regarded and treated differently from their Celtic counterparts is far from scandalous in its own right.
Where Gatland went wrong was in muddying the waters with inflammatory talk of sagas at the last World Cup. But suggesting that those aligned to the Red Rose face more hostility around the world than the other home nations was fair comment.
This summer, the Lions go to Australia - a land awash with anti-'Pom' sentiment, where lifetimes of Ashes rivalry and mutual antagonism means that the English are loved and loathed to wild extremes.
During the last Lions tour Down Under in 2001, this observer watched the Test series as a fan. There was much debate among the travelling support about how fans from Ireland, Scotland and Wales were enthusiastically welcomed, while those from England were met with anything from good-natured ribbing to out-and-out animosity. In 2003, the World Cup which culminated in ultimate glory for Sir Clive Woodward's side was marked by significant anti-English rhetoric from the Australian media and public.
Success: Sir Clive WoodwardAside from the constant, lighthearted carping about a 'Dad's Army' in white, there was the outburst from Wallaby Toutai Kefu about the English being 'so arrogant that they went into battle wearing red coats'. Such blasts were not directed at the Celts - reactions to any negative perceptions of the British were reserved solely for the English.
Before the final, a local newspaper urged Sydney residents to make a racket outside England's team hotel on the eve of the game, to aid the Wallaby cause. In response, a British tabloid published the phone number of the journalist, who reaped a whirlwind of Pommie fury. For generations, England cricket teams Down Under have been assailed by either patronising, sneering condemnation or all-in-thenational - c ause vitriol and mind-games.
Much as the Celts revel in ambushing the 'arrogant' English, the same can be said for Australians, even if that arrogance has to be a figment of their imagination. That same fervent history-driven antagonism is not channelled into conflict with Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Gatland was right to make the distinction.
Rob Howley (right) caught everyone cold by prematurely revealing that, for next week's trip to Rome, he will field the starting XV from the win over France.
It was a bold, logical move to reward and instill belief into those players and make those on the fringes realise that they must fight for a recall. In an age of ever-later team announcements, it was a refreshing statement of renewed confidence.
Sam Warburton remains in limbo, but the Blues flanker should concentrate on regaining full fitness and peak form, to renew his contest with Justin Tipuric at openside. Never mind switching him to No 6, let Ryan Jones stay there as captain and allow Warburton to focus solely on himself.
Sorry Stade of affairs for France
France have announced plans for a new national rugby stadium outside Paris, at a time when they should be more concerned about plans for the national team. While the French union were trumpeting the prospect of a new 82,000- seat arena in the suburb of Evry-Essonne, there were more pressing issues for France coach Philippe Saint-Andre.
He wi l l bring his team to Twickenham next week on the back of two successive RBS Six Nations defeats, with murmurs of discontent growing louder. In response, he has called up, among others, Castres' South African-born flanker, Antoine Claassen, the son of former Spr ingbok captain Wynand Claassen.
While Les Bleus have picked a handful of foreign players before, this is another indication that the rich Top 14 clubs, awash with expensive overseas talent, are harming the national cause. A move away from the soulless Stade de France would be welcome, but a revival of the declining player production line is more essential.
lSunda y's Aviva Premiership clash between London Welsh and Sale in Oxford will be a pivotal clash in the relegation struggle. While the hosts are being dragged nearer to the danger zone, the Sharks have momentum from recent wins, as do 11th-placed London Irish.
At this stage, the greater depth and top-flight pedigree of Irish and Sale suggests they can claw their way to safety but if Welsh win at the Kassam Stadium, their opponents are surely doomed. It's all on the line.
The last word
Just when you thought rugby's disciplinary processes couldn't be any further undermined, along comes another shambolic scenario.
On Wednesday, Ireland prop Cian Healy was suspended for three weeks for stamping on the ankle of England's Dan Cole last Sunday. Yet again, this was an example of a suitable punishment being identified, only for the sanction to be reduced due to 'mitigating factors' from five to three weeks. It is rare to encounter an example of a case that does not lead to a reduction of some sort if the accused is wearing a nice tie and is polite in the hearing. But there's more. To ensure the ban covers 'active' weeks, it was agreed it would take effect from this Sunday.
Now Leinster, having spied a loophole, want to pick him to face Treviso tomorrow but the national management aren't sure he is allowed to play. You couldn't make it up.
