The Grand Slam in 2009 was an incredible achievement, but in my mind this tops it, simply because winning in Paris and London is so difficult. A lot can happen between now and the World Cup next year, but make no mistake about it, Schmidt is already thinking about Japan. They must back up this outstanding achievement at the World Cup. Nothing can take away from winning a Grand Slam, but the monkey is still on our back in terms of the World Cup. We're still a year-and-a-half out from it, and this experience will be invaluable for an Ireland team who should now have realistic ambitions of competing for the greatest prize of all.

Source: Irish Independent March 19, 2018 20:26 UTC