Joe Schmidt hailed the performance of his Ireland players after they secured what the head coach called a "needed" 35-25 win over Scotland at Aviva Stadium.
Ireland outscored the Scots four tries to three in a entertaining encounter and Schmidt was pleased with his side's efforts, particularly in building a 21-13 interval lead and preserving a proud unbeaten home record.
"It wasn't just wanted, it was needed," he told RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport. "It was always going to be really hard-earned.
"The players deserve a lot of credit because we had to work really hard to manage the first half as well as we did.
"Our ability to control possession, to work our way into space and find space, and make things attritional for our opponents - we did a pretty good job of that.
"There weren't too many lineouts or scrums in that first half. There was a lot of ball-in-play time and the commitment to looking after the ball and working hard was very evident.
"That's three Six Nations we've gone through and we haven't lost at home. We take some pride in that.
"We get some massive support for that too and we're really appreciative of that. We try to earn it every time we go out."
"Both teams came out with a real willingness to play"
Schmidt played down the concession of three tries, insisting that that was a result of both team's commitment to attack.
"It was disappointing but when the team that you're playing are as good as they are it is very hard to contain them.
"Particularly because both teams came out with a real willingness to play.
"We were obviously disappointed to let Stuart Hogg slice through our defensive line and get away from our cover defence, which we take a fair bit of pride in.
"But at the same time, a lot of the first half, we managed in their half and built a lead on the back of it.
"Sixty points scored in a Test match, I think the supporters got value for money."
Victory for England in Paris ensured Ireland finished third in the table despite failing to win their opening three games and the Kiwi couldn't help but reflect on what might have been in the defeats to England and France and a draw with Wales.
"I thought we started the championship incredibly well," he said. "The first 30 minutes (against Wales) were as good as we played today.
"The first two games, our opponents scored off five-metre scrums. I thought the scrum was superb today against Scotland, who've really put pressure on other scrums. I think it shows a little bit of progress in that department.
"Josh van der Flier - if that try (against England) is awarded, which looked pretty visible, with seven minutes to go we're four points down against England at Twickenham.
"You know you're too far away but we can't complain. Some of those fine margins didn't fall our way (but) over the last two years we've managed to get enough of them on our side."
