Wales coach Shaun Edwards admits winning the Triple Crown against Eddie O'Sullivan's Ireland in Dublin would be particularly sweet for his boss Warren Gatland.
Gatland was axed as Ireland coach in controversial circumstances seven years ago and replaced by O'Sullivan, the man he originally appointed as his assistant.
The coaching rivalry provides a delicious subtext to what is set to be an enthralling game in its own right as Wales attempt to wrestle the Triple Crown trophy from Irish hands and strengthen their grip on the Six Nations title.
Victory at Croke Park tomorrow would also set Wales up for a shot at the Grand Slam against France in Cardiff next weekend.
Edwards said: "Clearly it will be special to win because we are in a prime position for the championship. Our main goal is not just to win tomorrow, but to win the title. That is the most important thing. On top of all that, the fact it is in Ireland would make it special."
From a personal point of view, Edwards is thankful the IRFU did ditch Gatland in 2001 - otherwise they would never have linked up at Wasps. They built a close friendship during those years of unprecedented success at the club and when Gatland was recruited by the Welsh Rugby Union his first act was to snap up Edwards on a part-time coaching deal.
Edwards wanted the job to press his claims for a senior coaching role on the 2009 Lions tour to South Africa. And the pair have had an emphatic impact on Welsh rugby, changing the mood from post-World Cup despondency to excited anticipation.
"Ireland's loss was Warren's gain and my gain as a coach," said Edwards. "He made me a better coach and Wasps a better club."
If Gatland's connection with Ireland was soured by the manner of his departure, then Edwards' is best described as colourful.
He has strong family ties in Ireland, featuring an assortment of characters that would not be out of place in a work of Irish fiction, and so is approaching tomorrow's game with particular relish.
Ten years ago, Edwards represented Ireland in their first home rugby league Test, against France at Tolka Park, and then embarked on a lost week of emerald isle hospitality after being "kidnapped by the Collins crew".
The Collins crew are family from "somewhere way out west".
"I was coming towards the end of my career and I couldn't get picked for many other teams," Edwards laughed. "I enjoyed the experience, especially after the match. I was only supposed to go over there for three days but I eventually got back 10 days later.
"I trained hard up until the game but it was the end of the season and afterwards I got kidnapped. It was a very enjoyable week — from what I can remember!"
While victory at Croke Park tomorrow would secure the Triple Crown, defeat would not end Wales' title aspirations thanks to a healthy points difference earned from their comprehensive 47-8 win over Italy a fortnight ago.
And after three straight wins, Ireland pose Wales their biggest test so far, and Edwards one of the toughest challenges of his coaching career.
"Ireland are probably the team we have had to do the most analysis on. Everything they do is well thought out," he said. "They are different to a side like the French who seem to make it up as they go along. Ireland don't give you anything. They are very tight and their approach is very methodical.
"This is the first time I have ever coached against Brian O'Driscoll. He has very good physical attributes but something you can't teach is speed of thought. That's what many players don't have."
