The inspiration for Ireland's first-half romp? Peter O'Mahony

'He’s the last man to leave the team room every night, he’s down drinking tea whether it be with the young lads or begging me to come down with him'

SALUTE: Ireland's Peter O'Mahony celebrates in the Stade de France. Pic: Dan Sheridan, Inpho

Whether it was tending to Cork Con’s match balls as a kid out at Temple Hill or being ever-present in the Ireland team room, fostering squad camaraderie, Peter O’Mahony has given his all to the cause with unstinting consistency.

At Stade de France on Saturday, his commitment to his team-mates was repaid with an outstanding Irish performance delivered both in tribute to the 100-cap hero and in his own image.