Andy Farrell takes responsibility after Scots game for major Aviva criticism

Very fair from the Ireland boss.

Aside from the stellar displays from most of the players, another aspect of the occasion that was hugely positive was the atmosphere inside the Aviva Stadium.

The experience in the home of Irish rugby has long been criticised for its relative lack of atmosphere, with blame placed on the amount of corporate fans, the foot traffic heading for pints and food during the games, and songs such as 'Sweet Caroline' being blasted through the speakers while the matches take place.

However, today was an exception and it was largely down to the performance of Ireland, which was acknowledged after the game by head coach Andy Farrell, who admitted that it was his team's responsibility.

He said: "Caelan said it yesterday, it's our responsibility that that happens, that we bring the crowd into the game and on both occasions (England and Scotland games) we've done that.

"I don't think we've heard the crowd like that for some time here, and that's what we're chasing, to all be in it together, that's what we've done in that past, and hopefully people can see the signs of where we're going in the future as well."

Farrell also waxed lyrical on Ireland's best player in this Six Nations, Stuart McCloskey, and put him forward for the overall player of the tournament.

He added: "Obviously Stu McCloskey, he should definitely be in the running for player of the tournament.

"For him to back it up five games on the trot is new, certainly in this format, but to perform, and consistently performing to that high level, is amazing, and it's all because he's playing in a squad that is unbelievably close and connected to one another."