Johnny Sexton congratulated Marcus Smith after Ireland’s 32-15 win over England before wishing him luck for next weekend’s showdown with France.
England played 78 minutes with 14 men at Twickenham after Charlie Ewels’ red card for a high tackle on James Ryan.
But Smith converted five penalties and kicked well in open play to get England back on level terms after the hour mark.
It was not meant to be for Eddie Jones’ side, though, as Jack Conan and Finlay Bealham scored tries to put Ireland back in control.
And asked what he said to his opposite number at the final whistle, Sexton said: “It was not a lot, really. It was more just congratulating him on what he has done so far.
“It was the first time I’ve ever met him and the first time I have ever played against him.
“So I just congratulated him on controlling the game really well with 14 men and said best of luck next week and that I hope that he wins next week.
“Like I said during the week, he’s a great player, and he’s got a huge career ahead of him.”
The Ireland fly-half was playing England at Twickenham for what is likely to be the last time ahead of his retirement after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, and he was full of praise for his opponents.
He added: “England are a very good team, and we gave them huge respect coming here today.
“I think we probably didn’t get the performance that we wanted throughout the game, but I also think we saw glimpses of it.
“But yeah, I think England could go and so some real damage to France next week.”
“We started the second half brilliantly, we didn’t take a couple of chances, and they defended heroically at times with 14.
“You score there, and the game totally changes because the 14 men have to chase the game a bit, they have to try and play with the ball, and that’s when you can capitalise.”
