Meh, since last year England are what 5w's from 10? Strength in depth doesn't count for a lot when it comes to a match day 23, Ireland hammered South Africa without Healy, O'Brien and Best add Payne to the list and they still beat Australia so I think you're overestimating England/Underestimating Ireland there. Joseph and Watson aren't yet proven in pressure situations yet and Ford is still quite green. I don't think England are better than last year's vintage, it's just being perceived that way because they didn't lose their opening game.