European Cup, Leinster v Leicester: Leinster's international contingent returned from last year's Triple Crown euphoria to a chaotic daily scenario. There was no Heineken European Cup quarter-final to look forward to, just the drudgery of the Celtic League and an eventual player revolt that ended Gary Ella's short tenure.
Now everything has changed. The comedown of a disappointing Six Nations must be put aside as the Leicester Tigers come to Lansdowne Road on Saturday while Declan Kidney has a firm grip on the coaching reins.
An immediate bonus for returning player Malcolm O'Kelly is the opportunity to transform a disappointing year is still in his hands: "We didn't hit our targets for this Six Nations. It didn't happen. We've been involved in campaigns before when it didn't happen - we keep on battling and we have a lot to play for with Leinster.
"It was frustrating against Wales as we could feel the game slipping away. No matter how hard we tried it just didn't seem to be happening for us. It almost seemed like it was destiny that Wales were going to win it. By the second half we were already out of the game but then we showed we could actually play some rugby. It was frustrating as well in the way we should have maybe just thrown caution to the wind."
In the aftermath of the Millennium Stadium defeat, there has been plenty of talk about the end of an era in Irish rugby. That may be a little premature but Leinster will have to furrow on without Victor Costello and David Holwell next season. That's the best hard-yards merchant and most competent outhalf the province has had in 10 years of professionalism plucked from the picture.
Straight away, it ensures Saturday's visit of the two-time European Cup champions, Leicester Tigers, takes on greater resonance. Unfortunately, there is a similar scenario for the Tigers as demi-gods Martin Johnson and Neil Back also hang up their boots come the summer.
"Victor will obviously be massively keen for a victory," said O'Kelly. "He's been there longer than anybody. There is a huge respect for him in the squad so a lot of guys will want to play for him. Also, I'm sure he will lead by example."
The smart money is still going on Leicester. They have managed to stay top of the Zurich Premiership throughout the Six Nations and their Herculean tighthead Julian White is back on board. Then there is the returning spine of the English pack in Martin Corry, Ben Kay, Lewis Moody and Graham Rowntree.
"With Leicester, they will be focusing on and relying on the fact that they have played a lot with each other," said O'Kelly.
"Some of us have obviously experienced highly intensive and hugely emotional games so we couldn't let that slide.
"We got an advantage in that we haven't played a lot of games so we would like to think we will be fresh."
Six of one, half a dozen of the other.
After his solid showing in the Six Nations, O'Kelly has little to prove to Clive Woodward ahead of the Lions squad announcement on April 11th but another high-octane performance on Saturday, especially if Kay plays, will put him in the box seat for a Test berth.
