Not the highest quality match by any means but a game high on effort, perspiration and drama, the difference between the two teams being a Dan Biggar drop goal. Wales had a point to prove, or at least pride to salvage, and were a completely different proposition to last week. Scotland, by contrast, were poor, highlighting once again their habitual inconsistency. Great game to watch for the neutral, however, as it went down to the wire.

Bonkers match in which Ireland came from a long way back to challenge the French, having succumbed to the boot of Melvin Jaminet throughout the first half, and yet ultimately fell short. Another great game to watch, at least until the usual plethora of replacements on both sides disrupted the rhythm of the contest and resulted in a messy final quarter in which neither side was quite able to impose themselves. France remain Championship favourites, and deservedly so, but Ireland will take away quite a few positives from Paris.

Finally, the "new look" England team took to the field in Rome with a licence to attack. In flashes it worked - the mantra being that the more times Marcus Smith touches the ball the greater the chance England will score - but there are still some ingrained habits amongst this group that will be difficult to eradicate. Italy defended both stoically and naively in equal measure but, as usual, found themselves adrift on the scoreboard early doors and had no way back into a game that stuttered along frustratingly. The Italian U20 victory over England offers hope for the future which, I guess, is some consolation.

More thoughts on the "new England" later this week...

15. Melvin Jaminet 14. Damian Penaud 13. Gary Ringrose 12. Gail Fickou 11. Darcy Graham 10. Marcus Smith 9. Antoine Dupont 1. Cyril Baille 2. Jamie George 3. Thomas Francis 4. Nick Isiekwe 5. James Ryan 6. Taine Basham 7. Josh van der Flier 8. Alex Dombrandt