THERE are a section of rugby hate-watchers on social media who look for any signs of over-confidence in Irish rugby.
Off The Ball doing a segment that asked if Ireland beat Wales this Saturday with 12-men was seized upon for example.
That a Triple Crown is viewed – outside the camp – as a formality on Saturday will certainly be used as ammunition if it all unravels.
But there is nothing for the critics to grab from players, as Jack Conan self-effacingly discussed his own “hubris” and argued Ireland’s record gives them the right to stand tall.
First, Conan’s “hubris” was when discussing his footwork and ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
He said: “I always like having the ball in a bit of space, that late footwork at the line has always been a threat of mine.
“There’s nothing better than when I get the ball and have a bit of time and a bit of a one-on-one, I always back myself to take someone on.
“I always back myself with the ball in hand. I want to get as many one on one opportunities as I can because I feel like that’s when I’m at my best. If I’m getting soft shoulders or get a bit of space, use a bit of footwork and get on an edge or something like that. Is it the best it had ever been, dunno. But I am happy with that at the moment.
“I would have liked to finish that try in the corner against England but that was a bit of hubris, I probably should have stepped back inside but sure look you live and learn.”
Still, teammates did not think he made the wrong decision believing Conan talks down his footwork too much.
Conan added: “I’d say it’s up to scratch anyway. I don’t think I’d be playing international rugby if it was useless.
“I think underselling yourself is an Irish thing, most people try to downplay their own ability.
“You don’t want to be standing too tall and saying you’re too big for your boots because you’re only setting yourself up for failure.”
And the Leinster back row is sure Ireland have reason to believe in themselves, without getting cocky.
He said: “I think for me and the squad here, we never want to take our eyes off right in front of us.
“You look too far down the road you end up stumbling and getting caught by what’s right in front of your face.
“I think everyone’s aware of what we can possibly do, but if we don’t go out and perform this weekend, then what does that say about us?
“There’s no shortage of belief in this environment, this squad I think that’s backed up by what we’ve done over the last few years and how we’ve started this campaign.
“Belief is hard-earned. There’s no right to having belief without producing results.
“We’re fortunate enough that we have more often than not produced good results, notwithstanding mistakes and matches we haven’t done ourselves right in.
“We learn from that as well and we’ve all had – whether at club or country – heartache and heartbreak over the last few years and lost a hell of a lot of big games.
“That stands to you, because you know, ‘don’t look to far down the line, deal with the next challenge as it comes’.”
TAKING THE MANTLE
And Conan is expected to start at No. 8 when Simon Easterby names his starting line-up today in place of the injured Caelan Doris.
And having impressed off the bench in the wins over England and Scotland, Conan is desperate to take his chance.
He said: “You have got the best players in the country here and lads want to take every opportunity whether it’s training or games.
“When you’re given that mantle and you’re given that opportunity you got to make the most of it and that’s certainly my mindset for this week.”
