Ireland's bench press was so good in this Six Nations that Rob Herring believes a World Cup triumph has to be next on this squad’s agenda.
During his time with England, Eddie Jones talked not of replacements but of ‘finishers’ – and that’s exactly what Ireland’s men in reserve turned out to be during the Grand Slam charge.
It was one of those replacements – Herring, in this case – who put the icing on Ireland’s cake on Saturday with the fourth try before the finish.
Read more: Andy Farrell’s side have claim to be Ireland’s greatest ever – Tommy Bowe
Half an hour later, the South Africa born Ulster hooker is standing pitchside and is asked when was the last time he wore a winner’s medal around his neck.
“Good question,” said the 31-year-old. “A long time ago. Too many silvers. It’s hard to put into words. The whole week, the build up to it, we really did feel how special it was going to be.
“The energy in Dublin this week, the way to the stadium, the answers, even when things weren’t going right the crowd were there picking us up. I’ve never experienced anything like this.”
What comes next is logical, as far as Herring is concerned. “Go and win a World Cup, hopefully,” he stated. “We’re the number one team in the world, why wouldn’t we dare to dream?
“We’ve put ourselves in this position and the belief in the squad is there. That’s our next goal.”
Herring held his young daughter Millie as he spoke. He said: “That’s something that’s so great about the environment that Andy has created. For a lot of us, this is our why, this is why we play.
“Everything is inclusive and it’s such a good atmosphere. To be able to have her on the pitch and watching the game, she won’t understand it yet but one day I’ll tell her the tale.”
One of the highlights of the 29-16 victory over England was Jack Conan’s superb off-load to Sheehan for the third try, a score that gave Ireland a vital breathing space.
The Leinster no.8 revealed the feeling at half-time with the game in the balance.
“Absolutely bricking,” he admitted.
“Look, we knew it would be difficult, we knew they would come out to ruin the party but we stuck to the task and we got there in the end.”
Conan was another who made a big impact when he came on, as he had done, as he had against Wales, France and Scotland – he scored an important try at Murrayfield.
He also started in Rome.
“All I want to do is make an impact when I get the chance and I back my skill set,” said Conan. “I feel good, I feel fit.
“There’s loads of other lads who could have stepped up if some people hadn’t been fit. We still would have got the job done.
“Just incredibly humbled and honoured to be standing here with this medal around my neck, it’s an incredible privilege.”
Jimmy O’Brien became Ireland’s newest Six Nations cap when he got eight minutes against Italy. The 23-year-old Leinster back summed up the night.
“I don’t think that you can put it into words, it was f***ing incredible,” he smiled.
“That was the most electric atmosphere I have ever felt at the Aviva. Myself and Mack just had a quick hug beforehand, we looked at each other and said this is just unbelievable.”
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