Shane Horgan believes the transformation of Irish rugby has led the Triple Crown winners into unknown territory as they target another prized southern hemisphere scalp when they entertain Australia on Sunday.
Ireland thumped South Africa 32-15 last Saturday to lunch their autumn in stunning fashion but Australia, who are close to full strength, will be a far tougher assignment.
The home side are praying for good conditions so their explosive backs can cut loose once again in what should be an intriguing showdown between two classy three-quarter lines.
And Horgan, who was in magnificent form against the Springboks, believes Ireland's wish that Lansdowne Road remains dry on Sunday underlines just how far the national side has come.
'We scored four tries against South Africa and could have finished with a couple more. That's a new experience for us against southern hemisphere opposition,' he said.
'The last time we beat Australia was in 2002 when it was a filthy day. It shows the evolution of Irish rugby that back then we were looking for a bad day so we could kick to the corners.
'That attitude doesn't exist anymore. We want a dry day where we can keep the ball in hand, attack teams and implement our gameplan. We're not waiting for the opposition to have a bad day.
'We want to impose ourselves and we know that if we have a good day, it will be very difficult for anyone to live with us.
‘We're the most confident I've seen since I've been involved in the Ireland team. The confidence has built up over a long time, although there was a blip around this time last year.
'When I first started we just didn't beat southern hemisphere teams, it didn't happen. We weren't used to beating France or England, never mind the southern hemisphere.
'But now you look right down the ranks of Irish rugby and the situation is changing. We're beating the big names in rugby and that breeds confidence across all levels.’
Horgan will be winning his 50th cap on Sunday, finally allowing him to join a special group within the squad.
'Five of us won our first cap on the same day, Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer, John Hayes, Simon Easterby and me,' he explained.
'I'm the last one of that particular vintage to reach the 50-cap milestone and I'm delighted to get there. It's nice to be part of the club.’'
