‘Cautious excitement’ for Ireland as Jack Conan lifts lid on Six Nations mindset
Ireland's Jack Conan (with ball) after scoring his side's third try of the game during the Six Nations match against Italy.
Ireland number eight Jack Conan insists his side’s focus is solely on each upcoming Six Nations match as talk of winning back-to-back Grand Slams grows in volume.
The reigning champions have been in fine fettle in their opening fixtures, thumping France in Marseille before easing past Italy at the Aviva Stadium over the weekend.
However, Conan has warned they could “fall flat on our face” if they buy into any Grand Slam noise and look further ahead than the next match on the tournament schedule.
Wales next up
Ireland will take on Wales in Dublin in Round Three on Saturday, February 24 before then facing England and Scotland in Twickenham and Dublin respectively in the final games.
“I don’t think there’s a cautious excitement; there’s just expectations within the group of what we do with the moment in front of your face,” Conan explained ahead of the run-in.
“Before this week, there was no chat of Wales, Scotland, England, anything like that; it was Italy, Italy, Italy.
“That was all that mattered to us, and that will be the case next week. It will all be about Wales.
“It’s great 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 face.
“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 where we’re at at the moment.”
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Ireland appear a fair distance ahead of their Six Nations rivals this year as they have bounced back from the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final disappointment in style.
And Conan believes that a selflessness among the group has been crucial to recent successes, including the 2022 tour victory in New Zealand and last year’s Grand Slam.
“The needs of the many are greater than the needs of the few so it is important to fit in and do the role you have been asked to do,” said the Leinster and Ireland back-row.
“We are 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 team-mates 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.”
Conan was given a rare start against Italy and made the most of the run-out, scoring a try in an impressive performance as he savours every minute of action for his country.
Greatest honour
“For all the things I’ve ever done, whether it’s Leinster or playing for the Lions, it is the greatest honour to play for your country, and it’s definitely something that’s not lost on me,” Conan said.
“I try to relish every moment I’m out there, no matter how blowing you are or how tough it is. It’s something that comes and goes so quickly, and I’ve had a lot of gaps in my career where I haven’t played.
“I’ve been in and out of teams. I have, by my own admission, under performed at times and you’ve just got to savour it when you get the opportunity and make the most of it.”