Johnny Sexton has hailed a 'special' pre match visit from Brian O'Driscoll in the immediate aftermath of Ireland's epic 32-19 win over reigning Grand Slam Champions France.
Prior to the game, Sexton along with Andre Porter could be seen in tears as Ireland's Call rang out around the stadium.
After the final whistle, Sexton spoke to RTE about the reasons why he was so emotional during the anthems.
READ MORE: Ireland 32-19 France: recap and result from epic Six Nations clash
"We had a very special week, a special build-up to the game. We had a couple of special guests in during the week and they talked about Ireland's Call. It was very emotional," Said Sexton.
"And unless you were in the room on Monday night you wouldn't understand why."
"It was Brian (O'Driscoll), Craig Doyle and the Doc. They kinda, came in and talked to us about the shoulder to shoulder documentary. It was very, very special."
Even without that visit, it was always set to be highly charged atmosphere given the news that Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray's father Gerry was being treated in hospital for serious injuries.
With all this going on in the background, the Aviva Stadium was a cauldron throughout.
"It was a great day and occasion. The French supporters turned up, but our supporters turned up and we turned up. It was a hell of a game. Obviously it came down to chances. We didn't take as many as we could have in the first half and that made it difficult.
"But the lads really hung in there. A very special day."
The win saw Ireland record a record 13th home victory on the spin.
It was also Ireland's first win over France since 2019, and Sexton was in a contemplative mood after breaking this duck.
"Well, when new coaches come in and they bring in a new way of playing it takes time. So, you know, the first time we played them here in covid times, we looked all over the place.
"Then the next time we went to the Stade de France, we looked a little bit better but we still weren't ourselves. I think today we gave a true account of ourselves. It was a hell of a game.
With the World Cup just seven months away, Sexton was well aware how important a win would psychologically be for the group.
"If everything goes to plan with the World Cup and we get through our group, there's a chance that we could play them again.
"So, it's good to get that off our back in terms of beating them because they were the only team that we hadn't beaten."
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