Andy Farrell has paid a touching tribute to his son Owen, who will make his 100th Test appearance for England on Saturday.
On the same day that Farrell senior guides Ireland against Australia, his son becomes only the third England men's player to reach the century milestone.
"Whatever I've said about Conor (Murray) and Johnny (Sexton) over the last wee while, the same sentiments," said Andy, who was effusive in his praise of his senior half-back partnership when they made it to three figures.
"You know the sacrifice that's gone into a career and anyone who gets up to 100 caps, they've shown mental strength, physical strength and resilience in both of those as well.
"Then you add him being my son...it's pretty special for parents. We have a little ceremony going on for first caps and hundred caps and we invite the families in because I believe that for us being involved in an Irish camp or an English camp or whatever it is, we're the fortunate ones to be around in our times.
"I think it's even more so important for the families to be involved because they're the ones who have seen all the sacrifice and been through it all with them.
"I know for myself that when I'm coaching against Owen or working with him, it's just work. But when you're watching your son playing his 100 th game or his first game as a parent, that's even more daunting and even more proud and even more nervous.
"We are as parents, as a family bursting with pride with what he's achieved. But having said that, I see he's got his press done early in the week so he can get back down to work and I'm sure he'll think long and hard about what he's achieved on Sunday."
Andy's wife Coleen will be at Twickenham to see Owen lead England out against the All Blacks. But an overall family celebration will have to wait.
"I'm busy on Saturday so I can't go to the game," said Andy, smiling. "Hopefully I will be able to get to the South Africa game straight away after our game.
"I've got to go on a recce to France regarding the World Cup, so I'll see him after the South Africa game hopefully."
When Andy was asked at what age did he think Owen was a special talent, he replied: "I don't know. His strength is like every person who gets to these types of milestones - his strength is he never thinks he's that type of player that you're talking about.
"You speak to Johnny, you speak to Conor, they would tell you exactly the same. They want to prove their self worth as a team-mate and as a player every single week and that's why they stay right at the top through all the ups and downs."
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