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 when he was told he was on the bench for his first Six Nations involvement.
He came on for Andrew Conway with 20 minutes remaining for his championship bow as Ireland cruised to a 29-7 win.
"I was preparing as though I was playing against Wales 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."
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, ‘Earlsy's out, you’re on the bench’ and I was like ‘sweet, perfect’.
“I texted my girlfriend and my mum and dad.
"I didn’t want to shout about it so I could focus on the job."
Hume revealed recently that he kept notes of his learnings and targets after not being part of Ireland's Autumn tests against New Zealand, Argentina and Japan.
And the 23-year-old did the same in the run-up to winning his second cap against the Welsh.
“I wrote down a load of stuff in my notes to reassure me," he said.
"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."
