Mack Hansen's debut took up most of the spotlight but, for James Hume, Saturday marked a massive first in his career too.
Hume made his Ireland debut last summer but got a surprise during the week when he was told he was on the bench for his first Six Nations involvement.
He came on with 20 minutes to go for Andrew Conway for his championship bow.
"I was preparing as though I was going to be playing in the first game but the way things were lining up with Robbie (Henshaw), Bundee (Aki) and Garry Ringrose), I really wasn’t expecting much until Italy," said the in-form Ulster centre.
"To get the call-up was a great moment. I just had to try to keep calm and composed and do my best."
He learned he was in when Keith Earls had to cry off with a hamstring injury.
"Earlsy was originally on the bench and he (Andy Farrell) said, ‘Earls is out, you’re on the bench’ and I was like ‘sweet, perfect’.
“I texted my girlfriend and my mum and dad. I kept it a close circle.
"I didn’t want to shout about it so I could focus on the job I wanted to do and how I could contribute.
“I wrote down a load of stuff myself in my notes and almost made a completely separate page when I found out I was on the bench, to reassure me when my mind started wandering.
“Like, ‘what if this happens, what if that happens, what if I get really nervous, what if I go on in the first minute’ type of thing.
"I’ve just got those little reminders of why I’m there, the sacrifices I’ve made to get there.
"I’ve played at a good level before. It’s just another step-up, it’s where I want to be.
“I knew that the calibre of player wasn’t going to be the different thing because I’ve played against some world-class players over the last two years.
"If I could be calm and not let the occasion overtake my head I would be alright."
Staying involved for the trip to France will be a difficult task with Robbie Henshaw back fit.
“All I can do is take what I can from that game and keep putting my best foot forward in training and make him pick me. That’s my focus," Hume stated.
On Ireland's overall position heading into the second round, Hume remarked: “Having a win like that to start off the Six Nations is a great first step for a long campaign. It’s obviously a huge challenge next week away to France and it would be huge to get a win away from home.
"That would obviously fuel momentum but it is a huge job. That could push us on even more if we could get the win out there."
