Let's start by giving credit to an extraordinary athlete, for her physical gifts, talent and sheer stubbornness: Marlie Packer. It was a day to remember for the Red Roses' flanker and captain, who won a greater-than-expected (but deserved) victory against our Azzurre in her 100th Test appearance.
Powerful presence, tenacity, grit and determination are among Packer's most outstanding gifts, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that it often takes three players to stop her in attack. A reliable defender and fearsome ball carrier, she has proven time and time again that she is one of the strongest and most complete back rowers in the world.
One thing I certainly don't miss is finding myself in between her and the try line!
In the first match of the opening weekend, France overcame the Irish team by force: a victory earned through power and a convincing pack that was on top in every phase of play. The team's performance was also illuminated by the plays of its scrum-half, Pauline Bourdon Sansus, who, with a clever assist, found an open lane for Marine Ménager to run through and score, helped pave the way for Les Bleues' victory.
Ireland showed character from the outset but, struck by Bourdon Sansus' flashes of magic, were unable to stem France's dominance. That said, their defensive display in the first half was exemplary. What impressed me most, however, was the determination and the desire to fight until the last minutes. It was a show of strength and defiance, which is what they'll need to reproduce when they face Italy at home on Sunday.
The biggest surprise of the weekend took place between Wales and Scotland, with the latter snatching a historic victory in Cardiff in a game that, as is often the case, offered some very interesting insights.
It was played at a relentless pace for 80 minutes by Scotland, but was always in the balance due to Wales' doggedness in keeping themselves in the game. This challenge showed on the one hand the desire and boldness of some of the Scottish youngsters - just think of that splendid individual try by Coreen Grant - and on the other hand, perhaps, the overconfidence of being able to dominate with their pack.
Wales - who, as we have seen in recent times, grew stronger as the game wore on - were perhaps not supported enough by their back three, looking like a side who did not always seem to be up to the task. That much was evident as Rhona Lloyd scored her splendid try for the Scots.
Although the final comeback was admirable, Scotland were clinical in the chances they took, but above all credit to the visitors for being consistent throughout the match. Fly-half Helen Nelson's accuracy with the boot ultimately made the difference.
Now we come to our most eagerly-awaited match. While the result may have seemed a foregone conclusion to many, what I can say with certainty is that our girls proved that this was not the case. The road was paved with a yellow card - for a dangerous tackle by Sarah Beckett against Michela Sillari, who was then forced to leave the match - which was then upgraded to red in the bunker review.
Italy's courage and readiness with their great defence often forced the reigning champions into errors. But despite the fact that everything seemed to turn in favour of the Azzurre, the tenacity and all-round strength of the Red Roses rewarded them with two tries.
In the second half, our girls held out for another 10 minutes, but the extreme effort of the defence had to yield eventually to the new-found control and confidence in England's game by the English. The Red Roses ran rampant, scoring six more tries.
England head coach John Mitchell will certainly have enough footage to analyse, given the pressure his team was under in the first 40 minutes, but that does not detract from the fact that England were able to react like the great team they are, despite being outnumbered for almost the entire match.
Our girls, on the other hand, must be given credit for showing great personality and an excellent defensive performance for almost an hour, always staying in the game. In view of the next challenge against Ireland we will need to build on this, trying to bring something more in attack in order to give Ireland a hard time of it.
It will certainly be a difficult match in Dublin, but that shouldn't stop our girls from being able to play on equal terms.
