Last weekend was not a hugely positive one overall for the Irish provinces in the Pro 12.
Apart from Connacht, who proved to be the only shining light, the other teams failed to notch wins on the opening round of action.
But this weekend just past matched the decent weather with all four provinces emerging victorious from their various challenges.
Grenoble coach Bernard Jackman and ex-Connacht player Gavin Duffy joined us on Off The Ball tonight and Jackman began by touching on Ian Madigan's promising performance at 12 for Leinster.
The versatile back, whose chances at 10 appear to be diminishing with Jonathan Sexton's return next season, ran the show against Scarlets and notched 22 points, including two tries.
"There's a growing trend in rugby to try and get two first receivers into your backline and last season Toulon were at their best when Giteau and Wilkinson - two dangerous playmakers either side," said Bernard.
"Madigan's range of passing at 12 makes him a real threat. He has that blistering acceleration as well. He's certainly developing into a very good 12 and we saw him coming of the bench to 12 last season and making a real impact."
He can see Madigan getting more game-time this season and can also see him doing a job at 13.
But Gavin Duffy believes it is the big game appearances which are needed if Madigan is to propel himself into the Ireland starting XV.
"You're kind of worried for him a little bit. He'll obviously have aspirations of playing for Ireland and no matter how well he's playing for Leinster, if he's not playing those big games or playing regularly at 10 or at 12, it will be very hard for him to break into an Irish starting XV in the years to come," said Gavin, who feels it would be a shame if Madigan could not reach that level.
The lads also spoke about the loss Ulster will feel after Ruan Pienaar suffered knee ligament damage and Bernard described the setback as a "killer" and characterized the South African as "the glue behind that side."
Duffy believes the focus will now shift on Paddy Jackson and Ian Humphreys who will now have to shoulder added responsibility in Pienaar's absence against the top teams in Europe.
Bernard was pleased that Connacht were not overly satisfied despite a one point win over Edinburgh which means they have now won two from two as their ambition grows.
He also pointed to the young talent who have graduated from the academy.
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