Fast start the focus for Ireland - Sheehan
· Yahoo Sports
Ireland captain Dan Sheehan says the squad have emphasised the importance of "hitting the ground running" when they face Australia in the inaugural Nations Championship.
The Irish have opened their two most recent campaigns with defeats, losing last year's autumn opener to New Zealand in Chicago and the first game of the 2026 Six Nations to France.
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Andy Farrell's side will face Japan and New Zealand later this month after taking on Joe Schmidt's Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday (11:10 BST).
"We're a very diligent group that preps very well," said Sheehan, who has stepped up to skipper Ireland in the injured Caelan Doris' absence.
"Trying to think back to the Six Nations, we hit the ground running in Portugal [in the pre-tournament training camp] and thought we did a great week's prep, but obviously didn't give the best version of ourselves on the day in that first game in France.
"We need to make sure the prep is the same and we have that same feeling, turning over all stones but at the same time it's stripping the detail back now and making sure we're focused on showing up properly.
"The basics of the game, physicality and making sure you're willing to work hard, that's been my focus the past weeks, making sure the lads are switched on and not overawed by detail."
While the loss to France in Paris ultimately ended Ireland's hopes of reclaiming the Six Nations title, Farrell's side reeled off wins over Italy, England, Wales and Scotland to clinch the Triple Crown and finish second behind Les Bleus.
A 42-21 victory over England at Twickenham and a 43-21 defeat of the Scots in Dublin were the highlights of Ireland's tournament - and Leinster's Sheehan is hopeful they can recapture that form this month.
"It's probably been a theme in a few campaigns where we've started slowly but built nicely through it," added the 27-year-old British and Irish Lions hooker.
"A big focus has been on us continuing that form from the end of the Six Nations. I think we've got the tone of the week right.
"We'll wait and see tomorrow but I'm fizzing to go. My head feels clear and free, which is how you want to feel as a player, so all good."