The championship heads into the penultimate round of matches with Triple Crown, title and Grand Slam still up for grabs.

Unbeaten Wales lead the race but with a trip to Croke Park to face an improving Ireland and a last hurrah against France to come, they face arguably their toughest fixtures yet.

England's 24-13 ambush of France has thrust the Irish back into the title hunt, leaving O'Sullivan gripped by another enthralling Six Nations.

“I had a feeling England would win the game,” said the Ireland coach, who amassed his 50th Test scalp with Saturday's 34-13 triumph over Scotland.

“At the moment for some reason – and England are probably one of the only teams in the world capable of doing this – they have the hex over France.

“They beat them last year in the Six Nations, they did it again in the World Cup and overcame them once more on Saturday night.

“England winning is a great result for everyone else in the championship other than France.

“France were talked about as cruising through to a potential Grand Slam decider with Wales on the final day and now suddenly England's win puts that theory in its place.

“The result has completely opened the Six Nations up. The only team left with a Grand Slam opportunity are Wales.

“And we’re still on for a Triple Crown, as are Wales, so our match in two weeks time has plenty at stake.

“It has been a fine championship already. We’re just past the halfway mark and already there have already been a fair few casualties.”