Irish province Connacht produced perhaps the greatest upset in the history of the European Cup on Sunday in beating four-time champions Toulouse 16-14 in France to round off a weekend which saw all four Irish sides win.
Connacht's players celebrate after winning the European Cup rugby union match between Toulouse and Connacht on December 8, 2013 in the Ernest Wallon stadium in Toulouse, southwestern France
Connacht, who had lost 10 successive matches since recording their only win of the season over Italian side Zebre in the European Cup opening pool game, had former Scotland fly-half Dan Parks to thank largely for their success as he scored 11 points.
Sterling defence also played a role after a try by their scrum-half Kieran Marmion in the 47th minute, set up by a brilliant offload by Robbie Henshaw, restored the lead they had held for most of the first-half.
Henshaw himself was unfortunate to have a second try ruled out after a review by the video referee later in the second-half. Toulouse, who got back into the game with a try by France captain Thierry Dusautoir 15 minutes from time, did manage to come away with a bonus point to put them level on points with table-topping Saracens.
Connacht are third just a point behind them and will be looking to complete a famous double next weekend over the French giants.
Connacht coach Pat Lam said that while their record this season was woeful in terms of results he had always retained faith in the team.
"Each match this season we have had a chance to win but let it slip away," said the 45-year-old former Samoan flanker.
"Thus we had self-belief and that was reflected in our performance. We had hopes for this match but it was based on everyone doing their job which they did and is why I am so proud of this win.
"We knew that Toulouse and Connacht are not on the same level, but we knew we were making progress."
Toulouse general manager Guy Noves bemoaned several missed opportunities at the beginning of the match and said the result could have long term ramifications.
"This defeat wipes out the benefits accrued from our victory over Saracens," said Noves.
"It doesn't eliminate us from the competition but it does pose questions as to whether we will qualify.
"We know Connacht will play with the same passion and fervour next weekend. I just hope Toulouse will be a different team," added the 59-year-old.
Earlier on Sunday Connacht's compatriots, two-time European champions Munster, went top of Pool 6 after an impressive 36-8 demolition of previous tabletoppers Perpignan in Limerick.
Munster have a two-point lead over English outfit Gloucester, who beat Edinburgh 23-12 in Scotland. Perpignan are third on six and Edinburgh on four with three games remaining.
Munster took the game by the scruff of the neck from the start and by the 35th minute were 22-0 up having scored three tries, the last one a scintillating 45-metre solo effort by Irish international Keith Earls down the right wing.
Flanker Sean Dougall had scored the opener which had stemmed from a poor clearance kick by James Hook, Irish scrum-half Conor Murray producing a lovely off-load in the move that led to Dougall touching down.
Prop Dave Kilcoyne added the second barrelling over from a short distance out. Hook landed a penalty early in the second-half as Perpignan tried to get back into the match and become the first French side to win at Thomond Park in the tournament's history.
Not such good news for the Irish side was that neither of their halfbacks lasted long in the second-half, Murray going off and having his right knee placed in a knee brace while fly-half Ian Keatley also trooped off rather gingerly.
The hosts got what could prove to be a crucial bonus point in the 65th minute with a penalty try and added a fifth for good measure through No8 James Coughlan.
Also on Sunday another two-time winner Leicester beat Montpellier 41-32 in a humdinger of a game which included two tries for Tigers wing Miles Benjamin. With their attacking bonus point they are within two points of leaders Ulster.