Ireland head coach Andy Farrell believes the addition of Paul O'Connell to his coaching staff will help lift the entire squad.
The former Ireland lock was hired as forwards coach with special emphasis on the line-out.
It's a set-piece that has proved problematic for Farrell's side since the phasing down of Devin Toner's international career.
"You're always looking to expand for the better", Farrell said when asked about the swelling of his coaching team, "If that's the case, then you explore the avenues to be able to do that.
"Obviously everyone would label Paul as being a specialist within the line-out area, but his remit - and the reason for him to be added to the group - is to make us better as a group. As a whole group - as a management group and a playing squad.
"And at the same time one-hundred per cent he's going to strengthen us as a coaching group together.
"So we want Paul to just be himself, and that will be enough for us.
"Because he'll be infectious, and be the winner that he is."
Casey Casey, you're the divil
Another Munster man growing into the international fold ahead of Sunday-week's trip to Cardiff is Craig Casey.
The scrum-half was picked ahead of the likes of John Cooney and Luke McGrath to offer back-up to Conor Murray in this season's Six Nations.
Farrell says the 21-year old has the attributes to thrive on the international stage.
"We know Craig's temperament," the head coach told OTB Sports at the Six Nations launch, "And we know his character. We know his will to learn.
"He's infectious around the group.
"He's been in camp before with us, as a development player. It was a short stint - for two or three days - and he made a big impression on everyone in the group.
"He's got a lovely way about him, but at the same time he's determined to push on. And he'll certainly push the other two in his position."
Go and compete
Having gone into the final round of matches in last season's Six Nations with a hope of winning the Championship, Farrell wants his Ireland side to be in the conversation again in 2021.
"At this moment in time, everyone's talking about how the English side are going, and how the French side are going," the ex-Wigan Warrior said.
"I suppose the results last year warrant that. We want to earn the right to be talked of in the same vein, I would have thought.
"At the same time, last year we [were] able to get in with a shout of trying to win the the tournament.
"Hopefully the performances allow us to do the same."
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