Victorious Ireland captain Paul O'Connell has described Saturday's staggered Six Nations showdown as a "great advert" for the tournament and credited England for the best display in the whole tournament.
Ireland clinched back-to-back Six Nations titles for the first time by edging out England and Wales on points difference as just 10 points separated the trio by the end of a dramatic day of rugby.
O'Connell's side moved ahead in the standings with a 40-10 win over Scotland in the middle game, but then had to sit and watch as England came within one try of snatching the title in the final game.
When asked about England defeating France 55-35 in a memorable climax, O'Connell told reporters: "It was probably the performance of the championship out of them in fairness.
"It will give them a lot of confidence going into the summer internationals and into the World Cup. I thought they were incredible. They threw caution to the wind, took a lot of quick taps, a lot of quick lineouts.
"I thought France were unbelievable as well and scored some great tries. It's a great advert for the Six Nations. If only we all had so much to play for every weekend, it would be unbelievable. Well, it already is an unbelievable tournament. I think this weekend has been brilliant for it."
Ireland have won consecutive titles in the tournament before in 1948-49, but that was when it was five countries, without Italy.
"To go back-to-back in the Six Nations is incredible," added O'Connell. "It's a very, very difficult thing to do, particularly as Ireland is a small island.
"We only have four professional teams. It just goes to show how good the athletes we have are and the players we have are. Also the way the provinces are ran and the way strength and conditioning wise we're right up there."
O'Connell scored the opening try at Murrayfield on his 101st Ireland appearance, and also became his country's oldest captain at 35 years and 152 days old.
It might have been his last appearance in the tournament, but he was quick to insist that he has not yet made a decision on retirement.
Asked how it felt to be quizzed on his future after winning the title, O'Connell said: "It is a strange position [to be in], but you have to be sensible as well. I genuinely haven't given an answer because I don't have an answer myself.
"If it does finish, it's a great way to finish. You know, Brian [O'Driscoll] got it last year. If it doesn't finish, it's still a great memory to have."
Munster forward O'Connell also described having to watch England as a "bizarre" way to win the title.
Pascal Lemesre
