Johnny Sexton insists he will do his talking on the pitch after the latest side-swipe from France ahead of a meeting of Les Bleus and Ireland.
This time last year, ahead of Ireland's Aviva Stadium clash with France, Sexton hit back at a French doctor - describing comments about his concussion record as "inaccurate" and "highly inappropriate".
Going through return to play protocols after a head injury the previous weekend in Cardiff, the veteran skipper didn't play in the Six Nations game in the end and Ireland lost 15-13 in Dublin.
They haven't lost since and Sexton has been at the heart of their revival with superb displays in November and again last Saturday in the championship opener against Wales.
In the wake of Ireland's 27-9 victory and ahead of their trip to Paris on Saturday for a vital clash with the home side, former France boss Philippe Saint-André claimed Andy Farrell's team were "less and less" reliant on Sexton.
Saint-André added: “In fact, to be honest, they are maybe better without him.
“I like Ross Byrne, he is capable of exceptional things.
"Yes, Sexton is an icon, he remains the starter, but Byrne has played more than him this season at Leinster. They have a new generation who are showing up well, who are interesting.”
Asked today about those comments, Sexton responded: "I'm well used to it at this stage, this week of the season.
"France, whether it's home or away, there's always something from one direction or another, whether it's inside the camp or outside the camp.
"The one you're referring to is obviously outside the camp. You can't control what people say, you have to do your talking on the pitch.
"It's nothing new for me in this fixture to have some things thrown at me that you wouldn't expect."
The French love to put Sexton under the spotlight as they know him well from his two year stint with Racing.
Even before last year, former team-mates were quoted in the run-up to Ireland v France games as being critical of the Terenure man.
As for the Leinster star, he's relishing a return to the City of Light - where he produced the famous 'Le Drop' to beat Les Bleus in 2018.
“We’re playing against one of the most in-form teams in the world," he said.
"We are in good form as well so it has been hyped up.
"If we can win in Stade de France it puts us in a good position to win a championship. We’ve been there a few times over the years.
“We lifted the trophy there in 2014. In 2018 we started off the Grand Slam year in that game so if you win there it gives you a great chance of competing for the championship.
"We’re not hiding away from that. It’s a big game.”
Ireland have claimed seven of their nine wins on the spin at home since last February's loss to France.
Sexton acknowledges that a big win on the road is important at this stage in Ireland's development.
"We’re at the Stade de France and in 18 months’ time we’re going to have two group games in the World Cup there," he pointed out.
"It would be good to have good memories of this place but away from home you just need to realise what you are up against.
“It will be a hostile crowd. It will be 50-50 decisions that tend to go against you.
"That’s what you are up against but once the game starts it’s the same size pitch and we’re just focusing on our performance.
"We haven’t spoken too much yet about the fact that it’s away but we’re hoping that there’s a big performance in us away from home.”
"It’s a massive fixture, France away. How many times have we won over there in 20 or 30 years? Not too many.
"It takes a special team to go and win there and it will take a great performance. That’s all we’re focused on.
"We’re not talking about who we are playing. We’re obviously giving them the respect that they absolutely deserve and analysing them and their individuals.
"But we haven’t talked about who the best or second best team is, just our performance and where that leaves us.”
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