Keith Earls has called on Ireland to right the wrongs from last year and grab the bull by the horns in their Guinness Six Nations opener against England on Saturday.
The defending champions have made a habit of slow starts in recent times, with Wales holding them to a draw in 2016 while Scotland bested them in a 27-22 win a year later.
It looked like being a similar story against France last year until fly-half Johnny Sexton booted a last-gasp drop goal to win it and set them on the way to Grand Slam glory.
But Earls is desperate to avoid a nervous ending this time around, imploring Ireland to start fast against England and not rest on their laurels in one of the most eagerly-awaited matches of the Championship.
“Of course, they’re a top-quality side,” he said. “We’re going to have to start strong, not like we did in the last couple of years where we kind of had a slow start or a Johnny Sexton kick getting us out of trouble.
“I suppose that puts a lot of pressure on us as well. We know the challenge that’s in front of us is massive.
“I think teams do try to outsmart them. That’s why we come up with moves, to outsmart them. But obviously you cannot outsmart them if you are not physical.
“If either team has a physical dominance that’s where it starts, whether it is from set-piece or the breakdown. If you don’t win any of them, you don’t get an opportunity to throw moves at them.
“Obviously it’s quite important to outsmart them but I think it will come down to how much of the basics wins you these big games as well.”
England have promised to be physical in Dublin and head coach Eddie Jones has picked a powerful squad, featuring the returning brothers Mako and Billy Vunipola.
But Earls remains unfazed and insists Ireland have what it takes to cope.
“Mako, a loosehead, I don’t know how he’s able to ball play; he brings that extra dimension for them,” said Earls.
“And Billy does what he does best: he runs over fellas.
“He’s quite physical but I think as a whole, I know they’re talking about physicality but it’s not new when you face England or it’s not new for the Six Nations.
“It’s going to be physical no matter who you are playing. That’s what we’re expecting on Saturday.”
