Ireland boss Joe Schmidt always hammers home the importance of the collective but admits tomorrow's game against France being his farewell home Six Nations game has been on his mind.
The head coach will take charge of the national team for the 15th and final time in a competitive match at the Aviva tomorrow against France.
The only defeat in that five-year spell was the reversal to England in February.
Before going to the World Cup Ireland play warm-ups against Italy (10 August) and Wales (7 September) but Sunday's game is the last hurrah in real terms.
"I've briefly mentioned it to my wife yesterday when I called in at home," he said when asked about his final championship game at the famous Lansdowne Road venue.
"It is one of those things that will be hard to say goodbye to. We've had some great years, some great occasions in the Aviva and it would be great if this was another really positive experience.
"We've been working toward that this week. Players play under those circumstances all the time, you never know when your next cap is coming. Coaches operate like that as well, you can be chopped at any time.
"It's one of those thing that when you are moving on and not going to be involved there are things you are going to miss for sure."
Meanwhile, recalled centre Garry Ringrose, who was a young fan cheering on his heroes from the stands when Schmidt started coaching Leinster in 2010, says marking the boss' final home game with a win provides motivation for the team.
"You want to win for the coaches because they put in a serious amount of hours, they're always up first when you get up in the morning," said the 24-year-old.
"They're probably the last to leave as well. They want the best for you and then equally you want to deliver for them."
Which @irishrugby team will turn up? 'Hopefully not the one that lost against England' - @Ringrose_G talks to @MicilGlennon ahead of #IREvFRA @SixNations #rterugby - More here https://t.co/aGREDG8VAb pic.twitter.com/UHF4CSnJ6G
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) March 9, 2019
Follow Ireland v France on Sunday (kick-off 3pm) via the live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the News Now App, or listen live on RTÉ 2fm, with commentary from Michael Corcoran and Donal Lenihan.
