In every department - the forwards, the backs - all the vital players stood up and were counted. In the last two defeats we looked leaderless, we had no rudder, no shape to our game.

But the likes of Josh Lewsey, Mark Cueto and Jamie Noon were outstanding against Ireland and Charlie Hodgson had a perfect kicking game. Im so impressed he had the confidence to take on a penalty from the halfway line.

Martin Corry has been the driving force for Englands forwards throughout the entire championship and he had another great game as well.

I must admit I look at Ireland and I think its going to be their time, a bit like England a couple of years ago. You can see it in their faces after they won.

A mark of a great side is one that plays badly and still wins and Ireland have discovered that knack. I think theyve got too much for Wales should it come down to a decider in Cardiff, even though Wales are playing the best rugby this championship.

This Irish side can mix it with the best: they can grind out a dour performance as well as turn on the style and I cannot see Wales taking it away from them.

Looking at both games on Saturday there was a lot of pressure on the sides, for different reasons.

For the Scotland-Italy match there were two teams who were fighting to a certain degree to see who gets the Wooden Spoon. It ended up being a must win at all costs match which are often not much of a spectacle.

Whereas with the France and Wales game, you never know which French team is going to turn up. But I think from Wales point of view they came back magnificently and played some absolutely class rugby.

As for England, they will be heartened by the performance against Ireland and I expect two big performances in the final two games. But remember, we are still in a period of transition and its unfair to judge them against successful England teams.

Its a young England and, like the World Cup winning side, it could take five or six years to get to the top.