Josh van der Flier has dismissed talk of an Ireland Grand Slam and insists they are only focussing on beating Scotland on Sunday.
With three wins from three, Ireland are in pole position to win their first Championship crown in five years but face two tough matches away to Scotland and then at home to England on Super Saturday.
Sunday is perhaps the biggest match held at BT Murrayfield since the Championship grew from five to six teams, with Scotland seeking their first Triple Crown in 33 years, while Ireland could be confirmed as champions a week early if results go their way.
And Van der Flier says that has sharpened Ireland’s minds ahead of a massive encounter.
“The Grand Slam probably something we would have mentioned at the start of the tournament so I wouldn’t say it is a banned word,” he said.
“In the threat we have this weekend, in a Scotland side who are playing so well, I think it would be naive of us to be talking about a Grand Slam or anything like that.
“I think it is going to be a massive challenge against a really, really good side.
“It’s obviously the goal for any team going in, to win all your games, but it will be such a big challenge this week I don’t think you can look further past that.
“We’ll certainly be ready for a very motivated and pumped up team.
“They won’t need much motivation with the prospect of a Triple Crown if they win.”
Scotland can also still win their first Guinness Six Nations title – and first Championship crown since 1999 – while England and France are also in the mix.
Ireland are performing as expected and have played every bit like the best team in the world in their two away wins in Wales and Italy and home success against France.
Competition for places is intense, with Andy Farrell’s squad boasting incredible depth across the field, and nowhere is that more obvious than at hooker, where Rob Herring, Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher have all started a match each.
“It’s great. It’s pushing each other on and making sure we are on our best form,” Kelleher said.
“With Dan and Rob Herring, there is the three of us trying to fight it out for that jersey, making sure we are bouncing ideas off each other.
“The main goal is this championship and the Grand Slam, so it is just making sure whatever we are doing is benefitting the team and making sure we are in a good spot.”
