Full-back Hogg scored a majestic opening try against Italy in Rome to set the Scots on the way to a 17-0 victory, while replacement hooker Cowan-Dickie burrowed his way over the line as England defeated Ireland 24-12 at Twickenham.

Two other Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finalists made their mark for England at Twickenham, Saracens' Elliot Daly crossing for a first-half try and club-mate Owen Farrell kicking nine points.

Exeter host Northampton Saints in their quarter-final on April 4 at Sandy Park, while Saracens will renew Anglo-Irish rivalries when they face Leinster Rugby on the same day in Dublin in a repeat of last season’s final.

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Northampton fly-half Dan Biggar scored 18 points on Saturday for Wales against France in Cardiff, but it wasn’t enough for the host nation, who fell to a 27-23 defeat.

His tally of two conversions, three penalties and a second-half try couldn’t swing the match as France clung on to a lead they forced in a dominant opening hour, with Toulouse fly-half Romain Ntamack racking up 17 points, including a delightful interception try.

The 20-year-old, who is also an EPCR European Player of the Year nominee, will be looking to maintain that form in the business end of the Heineken Champions Cup, with his side hosting Ulster Rugby on April 5 at Le Stadium in Toulouse.

Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finalists Exeter Chiefs had plenty of reasons to cheer over the weekend as EPCR European Player of the Year nominees Luke Cowan-Dickie and Stuart Hogg got on the scoresheet in their respective Six Nations Championship wins for England and Scotland.