This is only the beginning…

Brian O’Driscoll reckons Ireland’s Six Nations Grand Slam win could be the stepping stone for something much bigger.

The former Ireland captain joined Joe Molloy on Off The Ball last night, to discuss what the future holds for Joe Schmidt’s men. He feels this current group of players are looking to make the next step.

The pair discussed Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam triumph and how this one differs. They agreed that 09 felt like a relief, and it was almost like reaching the ‘summit’ for that crop of players. Whereas 2018 is more of a stepping stone to greater things, perhaps even a World Cup.

“You do get the sense that this is ultimately a stepping stone to something great, something big in Japan next year.” O’Driscoll said.

“And I heard Rob Kearney make reference to that.”

In terms of building on their 2009 triumph and aiming to win the 2011 Rugby World Cup, O’Driscoll says that Ireland team never gave it a thought. But he feels this Ireland team has much bigger ambitions.

“We did not give it a thought.” O’Driscoll said

“So that makes you think that this has been talked about as part of the bigger plan. That this is an aspect en route to doing something special.”

“And not just getting to a semi-final.”

“You do feel though this isn’t a team that wants to go and do something no other Irish team has done before, and get to a semi-final.”

“This (team) wants tot get to a final and wants to win a World Cup.”

“It’s not that unthinkable (for Ireland to win it).” O’Driscoll added