So the final weekend of Six Nations action looms, and the tournament is set for its most thrilling finish since, oh, last year at least.
Then, as now, three teams went into their last games with a chance of clinching the title; then, as now, it was desperately difficult to call
This year's contenders are England, Ireland and Wales. The order is significant as the bookmakers believe that England are the favourites and Wales the outsiders. If all three win - against France, Scotland and Italy respectively - then it comes down to points difference. As things stand, England are on +37, Ireland on +33 and Wales on +12.
So who will take the crown? And why? Or, perhaps, why not
ENGLAND
The case for: Stuart Lancaster's side have a massive incentive in this World Cup year to emulate the side of 2003. They have stumbled in the championship at times, but they were frighteningly efficient in closing out Scotland in the second half last weekend. Playing in the final game, they will have the advantage of knowing where the bar has been set. They are also up against a French side that has been borderline shambolic at times.
The case against: There's nothing quite so dangerous as a shambolic French side, and there is always the possibility that Philippe St Andre's team will pull themselves together and deliver a performance. More pragmatically, England's defence has been cut open all too easily this season and they have lacked sharpness in attack.
IRELAND
The case for: In world ranking terms, Ireland are the best in the championship, behind only New Zealand and South Africa in global terms. They also have the best playmaker on the planet in the shape of Jonny Sexton, and the most charismatic leader in Paul O'Connell. They might not boss the set-piece, but hey are beasts at the breakdown.
The case against: Dare we say that Scotland must surely have a victory in them. The Scots have upset the Irish apple cart a few times over the years and Ireland will be nervous. Even if do get their noses in front at the end, the Scotland defence has been obdurate and will not cough up a shedload of points as they did against Wales on the final day last year.
WALES
The case for: Wales have the backmarker's advantage of being able to throw caution to the wind. They have a lot of ground to make up, but they have a backline to die for and they will not lack confidence after their win against Ireland last weekend. They are well capable of scoring the 40-or-so points they may well need to take the title.
The case against: Italy were humbled by their dreadful performance against France last weekend and it is hard to imagine them playing quite so badly again. Their defence was porous against England, but strong against Scotland. Wales have also looked vulnerable to a bit of grunt in the set piece and Italy will want to make things difficult there.
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