On Saturday Ireland fielded a vastly different backline from last September's World Cup or even the opening Six Nations game against Italy, when Eddie O'Sullivan remained loyal to several players who had underperformed in France.

This must not be confused with a coaching masterstroke or the bringing on of fresh talent; practically every change has been enforced. The retirement of Denis Hickie and injuries to Shane Horgan (now back on the bench), Gordon D'Arcy and Girvan Dempsey provided chances for Geordan Murphy, Tommy Bowe, Rob Kearney and Trimble (at centre).

Jamie Heaslip can also be added to the list of those who were either overlooked or not brought to France but have since broken into the side.

There have been in all eight changes (positional or in personnel) since the Italy game.

Gordon D'Arcy's broken arm has finally brought to an end Andrew Trimble's purgatorial presence on the Irish wing and in two Test matches the Ulsterman appears to have cemented a decent partnership with Brian O'Driscoll.

Trimble has never had a problem telling people about his faith and the influence of scripture in his life. Last week he shared his convictions with sixth-year students from his captain's alma mater Blackrock College.

It is the second year Trimble has spoken at the famous rugby school, and judging by the reaction he may well return.

Keith Wood made a valid point recently. Too many young Irish talents miss out on valuable game time because of the influx of foreign players in the provinces. Outhalf is a particular area of concern.

The Munster three-quarter line is packed with Southern Hemisphere players while the likes of Barry Murphy must wait in line. Leinster named the Australians Mick Berne and Christian Warner in their midfield against Cardiff while the Irish under-20s centre Eoin O'Malley sat on the bench.

"We have too many foreign players playing in Ireland," said Wood. "We only have three teams really and a lot of foreign players in those.

"I don't have any objection to any of them playing in Ireland; the problem is that only three teams play in the European Cup. We only have a couple of centres playing who are Irish-qualified so that means we don't have the strength in depth.

"We could have difficult times in the years ahead."

David Wallace deserves special mention not only for his well-taken try but also for his exceptional tackle count against Scotland at Croke Park on Saturday.

The Munster openside finished with 20 tackles, nine clear of John Hayes and Donncha O'Callaghan, who were tied for second.

Another notable statistic: the four lineouts Ireland lost before Rory Best replaced Bernard Jackman.

What happened in McDiarmid Park in Perth last Friday night? Ireland A were crushed 67-7, conceding 10 tries against a Scottish side none of whom were good enough to make the poor team we saw outclassed at Croke Park the next day.

For the record, the Leinster winger Gary Brown crossed for Ireland's solitary try, not Munster's Ian Dowling as mentioned in Saturday's report.

Quality bloke."I thought the behaviour of the English hooker was completely unacceptable at times. It wasn't in the spirit of the game. He was a bit of a clown, really. Every time there was a lineout he was provocative, but this didn't detract from England and the fact they deserved their victory."

- French coach Marc Lièvremont on Mark Regan