Tadhg Beirne says Ireland's cause wasn’t helped by certain comments made in Irish media in the build-up to the Guinness Six Nations win over Wales.
Coming in on the back of a 14-game losing streak and with a new interim head coach, Matt Sherratt, in place, few game Wales any chance of causing an upset.
Some pundits had speculated that Ireland would need to have a couple or three players sent off in order to make the game a close contest.
In the end, Ireland played for 20 minutes with 14 men after Garry Ringrose’s red card.
However, a rejuvenated Welsh outfit were good value for a 18-10 lead to the 56th minute before being reeled in as Ireland picked up the Triple Crown.
"They had a new lease of life and nothing to lose today, they are an unbelievably proud nation," said Beirne, who played two for two seasons with Scarlets, after the 27-18 win.
"They were able to throw everything at it.
"If we’re being honest, the Irish media back home during the week didn’t help us with some of the comments that were coming out.
"They had a lot to prove and a lot to play for and you could see that in their performance today. They certainly put it to the wire."
Out-half Sam Prendergast had a mixed day at the office but held his nerve to close out the game with three penalties in the final 14 minutes, including one effort from over 50 metres out.
"That’s his character, he’s always cool and calm," said Munster lock Beirne.
"He’s an unbelievably cool kid, you can see that in his performances all the time. Nothing really fazes him, you saw that out there today.
"His kicking was brilliant, and he controlled the game well at times."
Bundee Aki (below) came on in the 52nd minute when Ringrose's 20-minute red card elapsed and head coach Simon Easterby hailed the impact of the Connacht centre, who won a crucial penalty when the game was in the balance.
"It was good, very good," said Easterby.
"Having someone like Bundee on the bench with his physicality, he brings a lot of energy to the group.
"We felt it was a good opportunity to change it up again and play Garry and Robbie [Henshaw] but we knew Bundee would come on at some point to impact the game but he was brilliant on both sides of the ball.
"Great energy, good leadership and he won some crucial turnovers at times.
"I guess part of the squad and the rotation and how you build a squad is you've got guys who understand they have as important a job as the guys who start.
"Bundee showed that today."
Meanwhile, Wales captain Jac Morgan, who scored their first try (above), says their performance was something to be proud of.
"It’s a big step forward," he said.
"It was close against this Ireland team. They’re one of the best teams in the world.
"We take a lot of positives from that, especially with the week we've had.
"We can be proud of the effort we've put in as a squad over the week and we can just keep building on that over the next couple of weeks towards the Scotland game.
"There’s always pride in that jersey when the boys step on the field.
"The boys always give 100%. There's never a lack of effort."
