Paul O'Connell says Ireland’s Triple Crown bid hasn’t yet been discussed as they look to finish their Guinness Six Nations campaign on a high.
While Ireland are a longshot to win the championship for the third time in four years, they could at the very least secure a second Triple Crown in a row with victory over Wales and Scotland in their final two games.
Wales visit Aviva Stadium this Friday night (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player) in the first of those games, and O’Connell insists their main focus is backing up their positive performance from Twickenham last time out.
"The focus for us as coaches and players has just been about getting set for the Welsh game," the Ireland forwards coach said.
"I think particularly after a good result against England, you just want to focus on the next game and the next thing, and even the next training session really
"We just trained there and that was the main focus, so it was a big D-day for us.
"It's only about getting better from the last performance, even though it was a good result. There's plenty of things we have to improve on and that's been the sole focus. We haven't discussed trophies or silverware or anything like that.
"We might [discuss it]. I think we always come into a campaign trying to win it and we don't shy away from it. I'm sure Andy has a meeting tomorrow, he might mention it, I don't know."
Ireland will be without James Lowe (above) for their final games after the Leinster wing suffered a groin injury in the 42-21 win against England.
His provincial team-mate Jimmy O’Brien has been added to the squad as cover, while Robbie Henshaw is back in training with Ireland after making his return from injury for Leinster in their defeat to Cardiff.
Bundee Aki has also rejoined the squad after completing his four-game suspension for verbal abuse and disrespect towards match officials
"He's a brilliant personality to have around the place. He trained quite well today and it just adds to the group," O'Connell said of Aki.
"It's great to have that leadership, that kind of personality around the place, helping guys, talking to guys.
"He trained with the bibs today, so he was good with them. It's excellent to have him back in," O’Connell added.
And the former Ireland captain says the Connacht centre's presence will be huge in the final block of games, particularly with Lowe absent.
"He [Lowe] is a loss around the place. I suppose Bundee's replaced him.
"We've had Robbie in as well, training this week. It's been great to have the two of them in, but it is what it is. It just gives an opportunity for someone else now to step up.
"That's part and parcel of the game. It's unfortunate for him. I'd love to have seen him in the last few weeks, but as I said, it's part and parcel of the game."
Having produced their best performance for two years as a considerable underdog against England, the dynamics are flipped for Friday’s visit of Wales, who have lost 14 straight games in the championship, and have already shipped heavy defeats to both England and France.
And O’Connell doesn't believe his side will have any issue finding the right emotional pitch.
"I think your emotion doesn't play as big a role as he used to with the team.
"I would it’s say the icing on the cake now, it's not the whole cake and it can look different at times.
"I think it's something that the players are generally very good at in terms of how they prepare to play for Ireland.
"We want them to be emotional, but we want them to be calm as well and they manage that really well.
"I think the week off was good for us, probably came at a good time, three weeks in after a win, it gives you a chance to reflect as you head into the next game.
"So with the group that'll play this weekend, I think they will be very hungry to produce a similar and better performance."
Watch Ireland v Wales in the Six Nations on Friday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to commentary on an extended Inside Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
