Heading into this year's Six Nations, Andy Farrell opted against making too many changes to the Ireland rugby squad that has served him so well over the last couple of years.
The vast majority of the players who are now in their 30s have been retained and are still playing a major role in the side. Of course, they are without Johnny Sexton after his retirement from the sport.
Many Irish fans were worried about the impact that would have on the team. Not only were his potential replacements at out-half inexperienced, but his absence from the side also left a major gap in terms of leadership on the pitch and in the dressing room.
However, it seems his influence on the side has not completely wained.
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Paul O'Connell explains Johnny Sexton influence on Ireland rugby stars
Paul O'Connell has been a hugely influential figure in the Ireland rugby camp since joining Andy Farrell's backroom team, with the Limerick man impressed by the team's approach during this Six Nations.
Speaking to the media this week, he admitted that he was not 'surprised' to see the team start the championship in such fine form. As well as that, he has been delighted to see the lasting impact that Johnny Sexton has left on some members of the group.
I am not surprised.
You are very hopeful that the work that we have done with all the players comes through but you are a bit nervous that it mightn't happen as well. We are only two games in as well. We have plenty of battles ahead of us.
I think that one thing that Johnny [Sexton] has given a lot of the guys is that he has shown how much you have to care about the team, how much you have to care about how you prepare.
He has shown how much you have to care about how the team feels come Saturday and he has been a great example to some of the guys who are going to end up as leaders within the team.
While he has gone, a bit of his legacy from when he used to go about his business still lives on with us.
A lot of the guys, Peter O'Mahony, Caelan Doris, James Ryan, Iain Henderson, Garry Ringrose, a lot of these guys, they have a few of his qualities in them that helps us to get to a good place every Saturday when we play.
They certainly learned from the best.
The current Ireland rugby squad is not short on leaders, something that is sure to play a part as they go in search of a second consecutive Grand Slam in the Six Nations.
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