For Aoife McDermott, it's certainly not a case of 'mission impossible' as Ireland face England in their opening Women's Six Nations clash at Energia Park on Friday at 5pm.
The Donnybrook encounter sees the English, ranked second in the world and who recently secured full-time contracts, up against their amateur opponents.
They two sides last met at Twickenham in November, where the hosts ran out 37-15 winners. That said the Irish showed some moments of quality, with Lydia Thompson getting over for three tries.
'Get behind Ireland' Watch #IrelandWomen take on England in the #WomensSixNations on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer from 4.45pm on Friday 1 February #rterugby pic.twitter.com/DdixaZiRyr
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There is now a degree of confidence in the Irish camp that they can improve on that showing, with McDermott, who will win her sixth cap on Friday evening, telling RTÉ Sport: "All of us are really excited to get out there and do the business.
"The prep has gone well over January and we feel like we're ready to rock.
"We're playing England but I don't think it's a daunting task. I thought we matched them pretty well at times in November and the aim now is to build on that performance for Friday night."
The Sligo-born player will no doubt be looking to impose her herself in the lineout against the English and is always seeking out ideas on how to improve her game. Her sport of choice was basketball and she represented Ireland at every level.
McDermott is a recent convert to the oval ball game and made her international debut against Wales in last year's Six Nations. Now established, she is determined to make an even greater impression in this year's championship, but is well aware that others are of the same mindset.
"The jersey is on loan to us this weekend," she said.
"We have been lucky enough to have been chosen to wear it. It's about getting out there and showing why you have been chosen and hopefully doing well enough to ensure you hold onto it for the Scotland game."
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The Irish side picked by coach Adam Griggs shows a mix of youth and experience, with three uncapped players Linda Djougang, Anne Marie O’Hora and Kathryn Dane in line for their first international caps.
McDermott has every confidence the trio can do the business if called upon.
"The girls will be both nervous and excited about Friday night but it's important that they know their roles when they come on and that they bring the right level of energy when they do come on.
"I have no worries about any of them coming in, they have trained hard and have earned the right to be there."
The hosts will be hoping that Energia Park is packed to the rafters for this championship opener, with McDermott stressing the importance of the vocal home support.
"The crowd is always brilliant in Energia Park and we view them as our 16th man," she added.
"When you're huffing and puffing and think you can't go anymore, it's the crowd that drag you along. I hope for the same on Friday."
Ireland: Lauren Delany, Eimear Considine, Sene Naoupu, Michelle Claffey, Megan Williams, Nicole Fowley, Ailsa Hughes; Laura Feely, Leah Lyons, Fiona Reidy, Aoife McDermott, Nichola Fryday, Juliet Short, Claire Molloy, Ciara Griffin (captain)
Replacements: Emma Hooban, Linda Djougang, Anne Marie O’Hora, Anna Caplice, Claire McLaughlin, Kathryn Dane, Ellen Murphy, Alison Miller.
England: Sarah McKenna, Jess Breach, Emily Scarratt, Tatyana Heard, Kelly Smith, Katy Daley-Mclean, Leanne Riley; Hannah Botterman, Lark Davies, Sarah Bern, Catherine O'Donnell, Poppy Cleall, Sarah Beckett, Marlie Packer, Sarah Hunter.
Replacements: Amy Cokayne, Bryony Cleall, Shaunagh Brown, Rosie Galligan, Rowena Burnfield, Natasha Hunt, Zoe Harrison, Emily Scott
Follow Ireland v England via our liveblog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the News Now app. Watch live on RTÉ 2 from 4.45pm or listen to live national radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra from 4.55pm.
