The manner in which they were outclassed by Ireland in the first half made the defence of their title seem a long way away but a stirring comeback in the second half of that match, combined with wins on the road against France, Italy and Scotland set up Saturday’s decider.

Wales still needed to defeat Grand Slam chasing England by eight points or more to be sure of defending their crown but by prevailing 30-3 – their biggest ever win over their opponents from across the Severn – Tipuric and co seized back the trophy in style.

And having played a starring role in the triumph, setting up Alex Cuthbert for the second of his two tries, man-of-the-match Tipuric was lost for words as Wales once again finished top of the pile.

“It is a bit unreal really, it is a dream to be honest,” the flanker said.

“We played so well in front of a great crowd and our boys were outstanding and worked so hard for each other.

“We know what we can do and we have been ready since Monday and to turn up Saturday and with such a great performance...we are chuffed to bits.

“We had a lot of bad media but I think it gave us a bit of a kick up the backside.

“We kept tight and we just worked so hard in training.”