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Published 14:09 29 Mar 2023 BST
Updated 14:19 29 Mar 2023 BST
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Ireland conquered all before them as they claimed just a fourth ever Grand Slam title. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
Ireland's victory over France proved to be the decisive result of the championship. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
After what was a shaky opening half, a much-changed Irish team ultimately ran out comfortable winners on the day, firmly announcing themselves as Grand Slam candidates with just two games remaining.
Madness ensued at Murrayfield a fortnight later though, as an injury-ravaged first half saw the Irish pack decimated to the extent that back row Josh Van der Flier had to throw into the line out. Ireland stood up to the Scottish onslaught though, holding Gregor Townsend's free flowing Scotland side scoreless in the second half.
However, last weekend's besting of the old enemy was the icing on the cake, as Ireland delivered a first home Grand Slam to a jubilant Aviva Stadium crowd, in a fitting send off to the imposing Johnny Sexton.
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Johnny Sexton secured his second Grand Slam win in his final Six Nations appearance. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
The result in turn cemented Ireland's place atop of the World Rugby rankings, and firmly placed the unfamiliar tag of favourites on the heads of the Irish team ahead of their Pool B battles with South Africa and Scotland.
And with such hefty representation in this year's Six Nation's team of the tournament, who could argue the fact that Ireland head to France no longer pretenders, but rather a genuine contender to claim the title for the first time ever.
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