Johnny Sexton hailed the significance of Ireland's Guinness Six Nations victory over France given the potential that both sides could meet in the World Cup should they both reach the knockout stages later this year.
The 32-19 win over their fellow tournament favourites at the Aviva Stadium means Andy Farrell's side have won two from two and remain on course for a Grand Slam.
Speaking at full-time, Sexton told RTÉ Sport that having fallen short against the French in the last three meetings during the Covid-impacted years, Ireland had slowly found a way of improving in the match-up, which is significant given the possibility that the sides could meet again later this year on Gallic soil.
"Today we gave a true account of ourselves and it was a hell of a game," he said.
"If everything goes to plan in the World Cup and we get through our group, there's a chance we could play them again, so it's good to get that off our back in terms of beating them and they were the only team we hadn't beaten."
Sexton also hailed the impact of a visit from former captain Brian O'Driscoll, broadcaster Craig Doyle and former international and Lions player Dr David Irwin for giving them an emotional boost in the lead up to Saturday's match.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton is delighted to get a win over France ahead of the World Cup later this year. #SixNations #IREvFRA pic.twitter.com/e599NkZQbT
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) February 11, 2023
"We had a special week, a special build up to the game. We had a couple of special guests in during the week and spoke about 'Ireland's Call' and it was very emotional," he said.
"And unless you were in the room on Monday night, you wouldn't understand why. It was Brian and Craig Doyle and the Doc, Davy Irwin, came in and spoke to us about the 'Shoulder to Shoulder' documentary and it was very, very special.
"So it was a great day, great occasion. The French supporters turned up and our supporters turned up and we turned up. It was a hell of a game and obviously it came down to chances. We didn't take as many as we could have in the first half. It made it difficult but the lads really hung in there and (it was a) very special day."
Player of the Match Caelan Doris said the opening 40 minutes were as testing as he had experienced in his career thus far.
"It was a proper test match. Really tough first half, one of the toughest I've experienced. It was a battle the whole way through," said the back row.
Guinness Player of the Match Caelan Doris reflects on a 'proper Test match'. #SixNations #IREvFRA pic.twitter.com/xvmxRRkL5Z
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) February 11, 2023
"We know what a quality side they are. We haven't come out on top the last couple of times playing them so it's great to get the win here."
Ireland finished strongly with Doris involved in Leinster team-mate Garry Ringrose's 71st minute try which effectively assauged any concerns over a potential France comeback.
"We knew it was going to be an 80 minute performance against these guys. They can create something out of nothing and have got dangerous threats throughout their team so we needed to be switched on for the '80 and we were close to that."
