While a hamstring twinge keeps Robbie Henshaw sidelined for the game against Canada tomorrow, there was nothing holding him back when he talked Hot Press through an enormous 12 months - and looked ahead to a potentially gargantuan 6 weeks.
"I certainly didn't see myself in this position last year," he admits. "I had trained with the squad for the past two years, so I suppose I knew the systems; how the guys played, what would be expected of me, and the standards where everything was at. All that was left to do was put my best performances in."
And while the big performances arrived in spades through the season, the biggest examinations lie ahead; not least in the shape of a French side who are likely to challenge Ireland for top spot in Pool D.
"All around, they're a threat, and we need to be ready for them. In fact, we need to be ready for everyone, because we don't know who we're going to come up against if we come through our pool. Anything can happen."
For the full chat with Robbie - including revelations on the team's preparations, as well as the full lowdown on this year's Six Nations celebrations - pick up the new issue of Hot Press, in stores now!