The job of introducing the Wales players to the Irish president had been proceeding without dramas or quirks as Alun Wyn Jones took Michael D. Higgins down the line.
“Here’s Dan Biggar, known for being a bit volatile on the pitch, so try not to step on his toes,” blah, blah, blah, blah.
Cut to what really happened.
Well, Nick Tompkins had exchanged pleasantries with Higgins, before the show moved on to Johnny McNicholl, who offered a “pleased to meet you” to the dignitary.
Nothing much out of the ordinary there, then.
But events took an unusual turn when it came to the 18th player in the line.
Jones spotted that Hadleigh Parkes’ tracksuit collar was turned down and decided to remedy the situation himself, turning it back up without breaking stride. It was like a sergeant-major making sure his men looked the part during a field-marshal’s inspection.
Parkes couldn’t quite believe what had happened, glancing twice at Jones as if to say “did you really just do that?”
Many social media users spotted the incident and seemed to enjoy the Wales captain's attention to detail. It's one of those moments you can just watch on repeat for some considerable time.
Others simply saw it as yet another example of Jones' renowned leadership.
Jone s went on to play his heart out for Wales in their 24-14 defeat by Ireland, with Parkes also one of the team's best players. At one point blood appeared on the centre’s face. Within seconds it had been wiped away. We cannot be sure if instructions had come from the captain...
