Favourites tag a mere ‘distraction’ to Joe Schmidt ahead of Six Nations

Italy captain Sergio Parisse describes Ireland as 'the best team in the Northern Hemisphere'. Aw, shucks.

Injuries to a host of key English players, including Manu Tuilagi and Owen Farrell, have tipped the betting scales and, as of today, made Ireland joint favourites - in the eyes of leading bookmakers - for the 2015 Six Nations. Ireland coach Joe Schmidt registered two eyelid bats upon learning this tid-bit in London at the competition launch. He commented, 'Being labelled favourites or otherwise, we were unaware of that until this morning to be honest, because you do live in a little bit of a bubble. 'For us favourites is a distraction, because it’s somebody’s speculation of what might happen across five games when we try to stay one-game focused. If I was to speculate I might come up with a different favourite.' Schmidt added, '[Instead], you can stay focused on what might help; whether you can be a little bit better in that set piece or defend a little bit better in an area of the pitch... If we remain focused on those things that can tangibly help us add value when we do perform, I think it’s a lot better than being distracted by rankings or speculation.' The former Leinster coach provided updates on the fitness and health of some of his key lieutenants. He is 'quietly confident' Conor Murray [neck] will be fit to play Italy while Sean O'Brien could be 'involved in the first half of the Six Nations'. The Cian Healy situation is more a case of optimism but, Schmidt added, pragmatism may rule as we are in a World Cup year. Healy may train with the national team but Leinster versus Newport Gwent Dragons, on February 15, looks a more likely return match. Johnny Sexton, the coach continued, 'would potentially then be available for France and definitely for England'. 'With it being a big year and with anything to do with concussion we want to make sure he’s as well looked-after as possible,' Schmidt added. All odds via Ladbrokes