Ireland's Jack Conan has expressed his appreciation for the excitement among fans regarding another potential Grand Slam, but he asserts that the players remain focused on their upcoming match against Wales next week.
Ireland has secured victories in their first two matches of this year's Six Nations, defeating France in Marseille and Italy in Dublin. Fans of the Irish rugby team, along with observers from other nations, anticipate Ireland's potential second Grand Slam victory at the end of the tournament.
While it's highly probable that Ireland may indeed clinch the title again, the players, under the tenure of Andy Farrell, are not looking beyond their next Six Nations fixture against Wales in Dublin on February 24.
"Before this week, there was no chat of Wales, Scotland, England, or anything like that; it was Italy, Italy, Italy," said Conan this week.
"That was all that mattered to us, and that will be the case next week. It will all be about Wales.
"It’s great that people outside of the environment are excited about a potential Grand Slam. They can have that buzz all they want, but if we don’t go out and get the job done against Wales, then we kind of fall flat on our faces.
"We’re not looking at all past that; we’re not looking past the moment in front of our faces and just being present.
"It doesn’t always happen, and there were loads of mistakes [against Italy], but I think it’s a pretty good starting point for where we’re at at the moment."
Jack Conan is happy to be back. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Despite being favored by bookmakers to secure another Grand Slam, it speaks volumes about Farrell and his team that they have not regressed since their exit from the Rugby World Cup in October.
Conan attributes Ireland's recent successes against formidable opponents like New Zealand, South Africa, and England to the willingness of each squad member to sacrifice for the team's greater good, resulting in improved results and consistent performances.
"The needs of the many are greater than the needs of the few, so it’s important to fit in and do the role you’ve been asked to do," said Conan, who starred on the bench against France but came into the side for the Italy clash last weekend
"We’re very lucky that there are such good men in the group and good quality that no matter what is asked of people, they do it and there’s no complaints.
"It’s an incredibly selfless group, and you do what your teammates and coaching staff ask of you.
"I think it’s one of the reasons why we’ve been so successful over the last few years because everyone wants to add to the value of the group."
Ireland's next challenge awaits them against Wales on February 24th.
