Johnny Sexton cut a frustrated figure as he limped off holding his hamstring in the first half of Ireland's 32-9 win over Wales.
Andy Farrell's side returned to winning ways after a disappointing finish to the Six Nations against France last month, but Sexton's exit will worry Farrell who wants to further stamp his mark on the team after a mixed year.
Speaking to RTE after the game, Sexton detailed how he pulled up with the injury following a penalty: “I picked up a strain on my hamstring when I kicked a first-half penalty. It was frustrating but most importantly the team won.
“While I feel we could be a bit more clinical in terms of taking opportunities, you have to remember we are building with the new coaches and the new personnel that we have brought in over the last year.
"It takes time to bed into international rugby. But we are getting there slowly but surely."
Asked further in his post-match press conference whether the strain may keep him out against England next weekend, the Irish captain said he was unsure but hopeful of featuring.
"It doesn't feel too serious. It's just very frustrating. I thought initially I could run it off, but unfortunately not. I'm still hopeful for next week."
Visibly upset after being taken off away to France last month, Sexton added that the side's victory in the first game of the Autumn Nations Cup was a successful test of their character.
“When you get questioned as we have been over the last few weeks, it shows character to bounce back and it shows what type of people we have in our squad,” the Leinster number 10 added.
“We are very proud to play for this country and you could see out there how much it meant to us and that is what we are most proud of.”
Ireland will continue their Autumn Nations Cup campaign away to England at 3pm next Saturday.
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