It’s very difficult to envision anything other than another championship success for Farrell’s men.

A fresh Irish team with an extra day's recovery over them from their opening round exertions is all Italy need right now. 

While there will be no public utterances of that nature you can be sure that, behind closed doors, this Irish squad are fully aware of the potential rewards that lie ahead.

From Marseille to Cork on a hectic weekend of rugby that set up tantalising prospects for the future.

The sense is that France are going to adopt a slightly more adventurous approach in this Six Nations campaign.

Nothing symbolises a new beginning more than the prospect of Jack Crowley being handed the famous No 10 shirt as he starts a Six Nations game for the first time in his career in succession to Johnny Sexton.

The former Ireland boss will be a familiar face when Andy Farrell leads the Lions south next year.

The most significant statement made on the European club stage last weekend came from Ronan O'Gara's back-to-back holders La Rochelle.

Ahead of the final round of Champions Cup action pool games next weekend, incredibly, all four Irish provinces have something tangible to play for.

In the circumstances, the return of former captain Peter O'Mahony and a rested Tadhg Beirne is badly needed for Munster to turn a corner.