Kieran Marmion once again ended up on the wing for Ireland as they close out the final minutes against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
The backup scrum-half was forced into the role due to an injury sustained by Keith Earls. The Munster winger was carted from the pitch, looking clearly distraught despite Ireland being moments away from claiming a Grand Slam. It was perhaps a mark of how serious an injury the 30-year-old felt he had suffered.
Days later and the prospects of Earls playing for Munster again this season, Ireland during the summer or maybe even early next season appear dim.
Munster head coach Johann van Graan told the Limerick Leader that he fears Earls could be out "for quite a long time".
It is a devastating blow for Munster. A Champions Cup quarter-final against Toulon at Thomond Park is just 11 days away. Earls was in for form of his life - never before has he looked sharper and more deadly on the pitch.
"He was in a lot of pain," said Van Graan. "If you just looked at the clip, he seems to be in a bit of trouble and knowing Earlsie he is quite a tough man."
He has been through a lot and just watching the footage if you look at him celebrating in the circle afterwards he jumped on one leg, so like I said, I don't have any medical confirmation at this stage, but I fear he is going to be out for quite a long time.
Well, he was obviously upset and hurt. His self is the bigger concern here, not only for Munster, but for Ireland as well.
Earls's injury adds to a growing list for Munster. Chris Farrell also picked up a season-ended injury during the Six Nations. South Africans Chris Cloete and Jaco Taute are also doubtful to pull on the red jersey against this season while Tyler Bleyendaal recently underwent neck surgery and will be out for four months.
Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
