Arriving for breakfast after being named on the bench to face Scotland Tuohy was approached by Ireland forwards coach John Plumtree with the news that every player wants to hear “you’re in”.

A chest infection forced O’Connell to seek the team doctor at 4.30am and a sleepless night nixed any hope of the Irish captain taking the field.

With a reshuffle in order Irish coach Joe Schmidt decided to hand Tuohy his first 6 Nations start, however it was a moment the Ulster man was always prepared for.

“I came down for breakfast at 8.30 this morning, I had my porridge in my hand. John Plumtree asked me to have a quick chat.

“I thought he was just going to go over my role from the bench, then he said I’m in, I’m starting and Paul had pulled up ill.

“These things happen, I was prepared all week for coming on early and that gave me the confidence starting,” said a delighted Tuohy.

While it was always going to be hard replacing the great man, Tuohy grew in stature during the game. He was a danger at lineout time and contributed with a lovely offload in the build-up to Rob Kearney’s second-half try.

The English born Ulster man is now demanding more from his international colleagues heading into the tie with Wales on Saturday.

“There is always more you can squeeze out of it, Wales will be a different kettle of fish next week.

“It’s important for us to back up the first week and become a consistent international team,” he added.

Finally, Tuohy was quick to praise the intensity Joe Schmidt demands in his role as Irish coach since leaving Leinster.

“Joe does demand that high work rate, you could see it in his Leinster team. That’s why they beat us in the Heineken Cup final, they out worked us.

“It’s something I’m getting used too, we play a different system with Ulster.

“It’s just important for us to get reps together in training to know Joe’s philosophy and transfer it onto the pitch,” chirped Tuohy.