Conor Murray is confident Ireland have the right mix of youth and experience to cope with the big occasion as they go in search of a third Grand Slam in their history.
Victory over Scotland on Saturday, combined with England’s defeat in Paris, clinched the NatWest 6 Nations crown for Ireland with a round to spare.
Click here for the complete 2018 NatWest 6 Nations fixture list
However they will now travel to Twickenham in Round Five looking to follow in the footsteps of the 1948 and 2009 teams and complete the Grand Slam.
Only Rory Best and Rob Kearney remain from the team that won the Slam in Cardiff nine years ago, while this season has seen the likes of Jacob Stockdale, James Ryan, Jordan Larmour and Bundee Aki make their Championship debuts.
And Murray believes that the new faces will cope with the size of the occasion, particularly thanks to the support of some of their experienced teammates.
“We can start talking about it now, because that’s what’s in front of us if things go well,” he said.
“It would be right up there, probably at the top. Only Rob (Kearney) and Rory (Best) are left that have won a slam.
“The motivation is in our group and it’s about how we avoid the distraction of all that and go about our business like we usually do in a match week with something really special to play for.
“It’s not daunting, it’s a massive occasion, but it’s one this group is going to enjoy and relish.
“We do have the ability, it’s just about getting that performance together and trying to nail it as best we can.
“It’s a massive occasion and one a lot of lads haven’t faced into before. But there’s a lot of lads in the group that have played in massive, massive games and know how to go about a big match week.
“There’s a crop of younger players in this group that the older, more experienced players can guide through the week. I wouldn’t have any fears about the younger players, they’re just so good at rugby that it comes so naturally to them.
“If there’s a bit of advice here and there that older lads can give, I’m sure we will. That’s the challenge of a unique week we have.”
