Brian O'Driscoll says that Jerry Flannery played a huge part in Ireland's World Cup Pool C win over Australia, despite the fact that he will miss the tournament with a calf injury.
Flannery handed out the jerseys before the game and captain O'Driscoll believed that this was the catalyst for a famous 15-6 win.
Ireland produced a performance completely at odds with their form going into the tournament.
"It's nice to back up all our talk from during the week," said O'Driscoll.
"There were some very passionate words said by guys who weren't even in the 22. That's where it came from.
"There were some poignant moments throughout the week.
"I don't think a lot of guys will forget Jerry Flannery handing out the jerseys yesterday at the captain's meeting.
"Mentally we were in a place where we felt as though we owed ourselves a big performance.
"Much as we owed the Irish public one, we owed ourselves one first and foremost.
"There was a tension in training and a sense the performance was coming. It was just a matter of making it happen."