It is indicative of the expectations people have of Ireland now that most were disappointed by the way the Triple Crown was secured - in days gone by we would have taken it any way it would have come.

Scotland gave Ireland all their points and fell just short at the end. For Ireland Denis Hickie got man-of-the-match and it was perhaps a reflection of the game that he claimed the award for one covering tackle that stopped a certain try - that could have turned the match in Scotlands favour.

Rona OGara kicked well for Ireland and Peter Stringer was snappy at the base of the scrum while Paul OConnell was excellent for the first 15 minutes but seemed to drift after that. The best part of the match was the last five minutes as Ireland were in total control.

Scotlands second-row impressed me and Scott Murray had an excellent game while Sean Lamont was always dangerous and Chris Cusiter can be pleased with his afternoons work before being taken off.

Italy will be a tough challenge for Ireland and the Italians showed they were a better team than Wales on Saturday - despite the controversy.

We have a chance to win the Championship but it will be tough and we will miss Paul OConnell who has broken his hand.