Following the excitement of the Six Nations opening weekend, our four fans - one from each home nation - give their reaction.
It was monumental build-up, lots to take in, including the fact that Gavin Henson - the star of the show - had in fact shaved his legs to 'look good'. Perhaps someone should tell poor old Matthew Tait to shave his - one good pass aside, he had a forgettable debut spent mostly on his backside courtesy of Henson.
The game - some predictable stuff: England's lineout wobbled early, Wales looked to go wide. Less predictable: stalemate at the scrum, both sides kicking a lot, and lots of elementary errors. Wales dominate the first half with a pragmatic mix of width and boot - in fact, they should have had a lot more points, with England's mysteriously disappearing wide defence seemingly at their mercy on three or four occasions.
Second half; Wales stricken by nerves and England trying to strangle them. England get on top, and take a lead which, though undeserved, looked to be good enough until Henson steps up to slam over a big penalty - game over. Well done Wales, who thoroughly deserved the win for bottle and early invention.
England were very poor, error-strewn, and lacking good decision making down the spine of the team. Big questions still over Charlie Hodgson, and the anonymous back row. Thoroughly depressing as an England fan to be honest...and as for my predictions, tear 'em up.
For my next report I will be able to say: 'I was there'. Should be a great game, and perhaps unshackled from expectations England will play with a lot more direction, verve, style and passion; big effort required in selection, motivation, and especially tactically against a pride wounded French side. The Robinsons have a lot to do.
By hook or by crook, it never fails to live up to expectations. We knew it was going to be open and knew it was going to be close. I doubt if anyone predicted all three matches being just so evenly balanced. I suppose, though, if a couple of teams had actually turned up in Paris and Cardiff things could have been different.
France win the prize for being utterly bereft of ideas with Laporte picking up a special prize for his comedic selection at half back. The much vaunted animalistic aggression attributed to Sebastien Chabal was evident in parts but a French side with Betsen, Magne and Michelak should be a different kettle of poissons. Scotland were robbed of a famous victory which would have been thoroughly deserved.
As for Cardiff...Wales were pretty good and England were pretty awful. The Welsh backs do indeed look exciting but need to be tested against a better side. England lack confidence, discipline and have a fair bit of work to do. The best thing about the game was the atmosphere which was palpable and must have been something to experience at close quarters.
And so to Rome. Hmmm. What can we say. BOD showed that, well, he's as good as we all know he is. And probably won't be playing in the Scotland game. It wasn't a disaster of a game - we scored three tries and beat a tough side playing at home. Good sides are supposed to play badly and still win so I'm happy enough to simply get away from Rome with the points.
So I don't think too many supporters are exactly ecstatic after some below par performances and close defeats. Well - apart from a few purveyors of hair gel down in the valleys that is.
So, so, close, and a great game for the Scottish fans - most of whom were realistically hoping to stay within 15 to 20 points of the French. Was Hogg's foot in touch? Was Petrie offside? More importantly, where the hell did they get the touch judge from?
Scotland put in a heroic effort, but again fell short at the end. Chris Cusiter seems to get better with every game and Jason White vs Seba Chabal could have been screened on WWF Monday Night RAW.
And who'd have thought it, Dan Parks involved in a tackle, that was also a pleasant, if rare sight. Unfortunately, a couple of poor decisions from the officials cost us a great victory, but this is a huge morale boost for the team who could and really should have won.
Looking forward to this weekend's games, all too close to call after Italy, Wales and Scotland's performances against the favoured top three sides. Ireland without O'Driscoll and D'Arcy could be there for the taking...c'mon Scotland!!
A weekend of drama, packed full of incidents, if not memorable rugby. First the France v Scotland game, and the refereeing problems. One really felt for Scotland here, because of the effect they had on the outcome. Why can't the video ref be used for other grey areas?
The Italians, unsurprisingly under the combative John Kirwan, continue to improve inexorably, and gave favourites Ireland a real fright, who looked anything but convincing, especially in the pack. I hear the scratch of rugby writers' pens hastily rewriting their articles on the Lions touring party.
So to Wales v England. We were promised a surprise at the outset, and whilst our singers were great, my prayers for a troupe of topless female parachutists to float in weren't answered. Can the blessed St. Gavin do it again? You bet. Repeatedly, and even more effectively. And remember, it was the only kick he was given. Why did it take so long when Stephen Jones was clearly out of sorts? That kick saved his captain's bacon as well as the Welsh nation's.
I forecast Henson would win the game for Wales with a long-range penalty. Unfortunately it never got to print. What should worry England's coaches is that Wales won with 47% possession, whilst the under-21s won even more comfortably with 39%. Even our Students and Deaf teams beat their England counterparts. Welsh Ladies? Sorry, the old amnesia has just kicked in again.
This weekend promises to be even more intriguing. Unless Wales really concentrate, there could be an upset in Rome. And which France will turn up at Twickenham? Which England for that matter? Was it really only a few years ago they wanted to leave the 6N and throw their lot in with the southern hemisphere to find some real competition? And how will Ireland fare without their main attacking force, their two superb centres? Clench the sides of your seat once again.