Leinster player ratings: Leo Cullen's men fell only their second loss of the season, but they can have no complaints with this 35-22 loss to Scarlets, as it probably was Leinster's messiest performance of the season.
Coaching the Lions is the ultimate honour, but Ireland's recent form has made them a victim of their own success
Has an ageing squad been exposed by Les Bleus, or was Saturday's French thrashing merely a blip for the venerated green machine?
The Irish had their hopes of an unprecedented hat-trick of Guinness Six Nations titles jolted by the 27-42 loss that sent them tumbling from first to third place on the table after four rounds.
Ireland have confirmed that Tadhg Furlong, Garry Ringrose and Mack Hansen are set to return for their final match of the Guinness Six Nations against Italy in Rome on Saturday.
Shorn of their greatest talent, Les Bleus eviscerated their fancied hosts with a blend of power and panache, raising questions about Ireland's progression.
We are now midway through the URC campaign, with all 16 teams having played the first nine of their 18 regular season matches.