Johnny Sexton paid tribute to Ireland debutant Jimmy O'Brien - but claimed the newbie said he was "s****ing it", coming on in the first half against South Africa.
O'Brien was a 27th minute replacement for Stuart McCloskey and, while he has played his rugby for Leinster on the wing or more recently at full-back for Leinster, he was fired into the centre against the world champions.
The 25-year-old played well - and said that while Sexton might "be adding legs to the story", he was bricking it for a moment when he did get the nod to go on.
READ MORE: Andy Farrell praises Ireland's character after taking South Africa scalp
O'Brien said: "First half I thought there was no way (he would be sent on), I thought they’d bring Joey on and get Johnny to cover 12.
"There was a split second when I was maybe s****ing it but got over that quickly."
Sexton paid tribute to his performance.
"His versatility is pretty unique," said the captain. "He's played 10 for Leinster as well, he's a fantastic footballer.
"We thought he wasn't fazed, but he told us he was s****ing it after the game!
"He came on and was straight into it. He knew what was going on, he knew everything, he just did his role very well. Fair play to him, most people get their first cap in a smaller game, he gets it against the world champions. What an amazing performance from him."
O'Brien explained that it was on the eve of the 19-16 defeat of the Boks that he sat down with Garry Ringrose to talk about the possibility that they might end up playing together in midfield.
"Faz (Andy Farrell) told me I was covering 13 so that was so helpful," he said.
"I would say the camaraderie of the group is amazing. Everyone is so delighted, I was nervous about my first cap but the lads were so happy, they filled me with confidence being so relaxed about me playing 15, wing, 13, it speaks volume for the group we have.
"Straight away I was thinking of 13, had all the plays in my head for wing but went through the set plays from 13, went through the set-plays in my head, visualised the list I had in my notebook.
"I chatted to Garry, said, 'let’s do this' and from there it flowed.
"No-one batted an eyelid, which filled me with a lot of confidence."
READ NEXT:
Ireland player ratings as van der Flier shines against world champions
Ireland rugby fans not impressed as music blares during breaks in play at the Aviva
Rhys McClenaghan makes history with gold at World Gymnastics Championships
Erling Haaland grabs late winner off bench to rescue win for 10-man Man City vs Fulham
Tuesday continues Aidan O'Brien's red-hot form at Breeders’ Cup
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
