On the weekend when Ireland moved within one match of winning the titles that have eluded the greatest generation of Irish players, Brian O'Driscoll offered insight into the pragmatism that now informs his side's every effort.
This is a team that flattered to deceive through seven tantalising years under Eddie O'Sullivan, during which they registered more victories than any of their rivals yet did not win the Six Nations.
Captained for most of that time by O'Driscoll, the most gifted player in the British Isles, they played with more style and flair than any of their opponents but consistently lacked the conviction to win the elusive grand slam.
A haul of three Triple Crowns was a decent return, but they now head for the Millennium Stadium grimly determined to register the victory that can turn a decade of near misses into a glorious one.
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Securing victory is bottom line at top level
Securing victory is bottom line at top level
