It started on Friday night when the Ireland Students under the stewardship of Phil Lawlor and Maurice Field, defeated Scotland 17-12 in Donnybrook. That victory was sealed by a try from Kieran Lewis in the closing minutes after the visitors had come within one point (10-9) of the lead when Clarke Laidlaw scored his third penalty in the 71st minute.

Later on in the evening Matt Wialliams' A side dished out a 60-3 hammering to the Scots in Ravenhill, the close of the game bringing tries for local heroes, Andy Ward and Paddy Wallace (pictured).

Then, to round things off nicely, the Under 21s coached by Ciaran Fitzgerald, came from behind to beat their Scottish counterparts 25-18 in Thomond Park.

That type of scene-set off sets us up for disappointment in the main event, but not this time.

In the senior international the visitors were dispatched with what coach Eddie O'Sullivan described as " a good solid performance" and with the result in from paris, the championship was thrown wide open again.