All Blacks coach Steve Hansen knew media wanted to dissect his team's convincing 46-14 Rugby World Cup quarter-final win but there was something he wanted to get off his chest.
Like Jamie Joseph did last week to address those affected by Typhoon Hagibis, Hansen asked to speak before the first question at the post-match press conference to highlight two Irishmen - coach Joe Schmidt and captain Rory Best - who are both retiring now their campaign is over.
"I'd like to take the opportunity on behalf of myself and the All Blacks to congratulate two men in the opposition, Rory Best and Joe Schmidt," Hansen started.
"Both have had magnificent careers in their respective roles for Ireland, they made a difference in their time and it doesn't matter what team you play for - if you can make a difference while you're there, you've done your job.
"Both those guys, I understand, are finishing up and we'd like to acknowledge them publicly on the wonderful job they've done."
Hansen then went on to make a couple of positive comments about All Blacks Kieran Read and his return since a back injury, and assistant coach Ian Foster who had breathed new life into his team's attack.
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