Conor Murray insists Ireland aren't daunted as they look to secure Six Nations Grand Slam against England

Grand Slam glory awaits | Ireland are within a win
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Nick Purewal12 March 2018

Ireland have finally lifted the ban on Grand Slam talk, Conor Murray has admitted.

Joe Schmidt's side swiped a third NatWest 6 Nations title in five years with Saturday's 28-8 victory over Scotland in Dublin.

Now the Irish could seal just a third-ever clean sweep with a victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday that would spark jubilant St Patrick's Day celebrations.

Taskmaster boss Schmidt famously has his players well-drilled on the party line of remaining next-game focused - but British and Irish Lions scrum-half Murray conceded there is no more avoiding the main issue when that next game is a Grand Slam decider.

"We can start talking about it now, because that's what's in front of us if things go well," said Murray of Ireland's bid for a Grand Slam to echo the achievements of 1948 and 2009.

"It would be right up there, probably at the top. Only Rob (Kearney) and Rory (Best) are left that have won a slam.

"The motivation is in our group and it's about how we avoid the distraction of all that and go about our business like we usually do in a match week with something really special to play for.

"It's not daunting, it's a massive occasion, but it's one this group is going to enjoy and relish.

"We do have the ability, it's just about getting that performance together and trying to nail it as best we can.

"It's a massive occasion and one a lot of lads haven't faced into before. But there's a lot of lads in the group that have played in massive, massive games and know how to go about a big match week.

"There's a crop of younger players in this group that the older, more experienced players can guide through the week. I wouldn't have any fears about the younger players, they're just so good at rugby that it comes so naturally to them.

"If there's a bit of advice here and there that older lads can give, I'm sure we will. That's the challenge of a unique week we have."

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