Tensions were high in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening, as Ireland attempted to make history with a first ever Grand Slam win on home soil against England.
It would ultimately end in a memorable Ireland victory, with four tries sealing a bonus point win, and a third Grand Slam title in 15 years in Dublin.
Captain Johnny Sexton was one of those to put in a mega shift for Ireland on his final Six Nations appearance, breaking the all-time record for most points by a single player in the competition.
With his first penalty of the day against England, Johnny Sexton becomes the top scorer in Six Nations history 👏
What an achievement for an Irish legend ☘️ #IREvENG pic.twitter.com/5NfCHkKymk— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 18, 2023
As always, however, Sexton had a few words for the referee, with South African Jaco Peyper in the middle of a hard-fought contest.
England saw full-back Freddie Steward sent off in first-half injury time, and would later see Jack Willis sent to the sin bin in the closing stages for a tip tackle.
Just before Willis' sin-bin, Johnny Sexton clashed with Englishman ? it off-the-ball - and Jaco Peyper told Sexton in no uncertain terms what he thought of his protestations.
Read also: Johnny Sexton Gives Incredible Interview After Ending His Six Nations Career In Style
Read also: Brian O'Driscoll Wasn't Buying Clive Woodward's Nonsense Over Freddie Steward Red Card
Johnny Sexton clashes with referee Jaco Peyper at Aviva Stadium
Early in the second half, Sexton argued with the referee and, though his comments could not be heard, Peyper's stern reply could be - "Johnny, I'm the ref."
18 March 2023; Referee Jaco Peyper during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Sexton - and his English counterpart Owen Farrell - would continue to speak to the referee throughout the game, with Peyper's patience wearing thin.
Eventually, in the closing stages, an off-the-ball skirmish led to Peyper telling Sexton to leave him alone:
Sexton: That's a clear push! How dangerous is that?
Peyper: I don't see anything more than that.There's nothing to give, accept it. All we can pick up is a push and a shove, Johnny.
Sexton: No, it's a push in the back..
Peyper: Johnny, please.
Safe to say Peyper had had enough of Sexton's complaints.
The Irish captain was forced off with an injury several minutes later, leaving the field to a standing ovation as he departed the Aviva Stadium stage for the final time in a Six Nations game.
Bonus point win, a Triple Crown, a Grand Slam, all against Ireland's biggest rivals on St. Patrick's Weekend? Not a half-bad way to go out.
SEE ALSO: The Angry But Conciliatory English Twitter Reaction To The Ireland Defeat
SEE ALSO: Andy Farrell's Post-Match Interview Showed Why He Is So Loved In His New Home
SEE ALSO: Angus Gardner Heavily Criticised After Poor Decision Costs Italy Potential Scotland Win
