Eric Elwood and Joe Schmidt may differ on most interpretations from Saturday’s collision-fest, but the recent public spat between the provinces over Mike McCarthy’s decision to move from Galway to Dublin next season, and Connacht chief Tom Sears screaming bloody murder about the manner in which the business was conducted, has not dimmed the mutual respect between the two coaches.

“No, Joe has a job to do I have a job to do, he is fighting for his team and I’m fighting for mine, I respect that, there are no hard feelings, we just get on with our business, he is doing the best for his team and I’m trying to do the best for my team.”

It was put to Elwood that it remains crucial that lines of communication remain open between provincial head coaches.

“We are a small country that has four teams and four coaches,” Elwood said. “I get on with everybody. Rob, Mark and Joe the same. I have a good relationship with Joe. We have good chats.”

For every McCarthy that leaves, there are a few young guys going the other direction.

“We always look at players that can add what we are trying to do. If that means picking up the phone to Joe . . .”