Connacht's Jack Carty. Photo: Sportsfile
By the end of the night the subtext looked more important than the main news item, even if it was an historic result. Between the comings and goings in the Kingspan and the RDS it had been a productive few hours in feathering the Irish nest.
Munster’s attempt at maintaining their unbeaten record, against Ulster, had been driven initially by Ben Healy, and followed up by Jack Crowley. A 21 year old playing his 11th game for Munster, backed up by his Academy teammate, who will be 21 on Wednesday, making his senior debut. As for Leinster, in the last quarter they turned to David Hawkshaw, captain of the Ireland under 20s two seasons ago.