Eddie O'Sullivan insists Ireland's heroics against England have been consigned to history as they set their sights on Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy.
The Irish have received widespread acclaim for the 19-13 triumph at Twickenham 11 days ago, a result which has left the world champions' Grand Slam defence in tatters and blown the championship wide open.
But O'Sullivan has warned his troops to forget that result and concentrate on keeping their own title charge on course - by disposing of Italy.
"What happened against England was buried last week. We've put the match to bed. For a couple of days after the game we got a lot of plaudits which were deserved because it was an exceptional performance," said the Ireland coach.
"But now it's time to move on to the next job. My players know that six points was the only difference between a pat on the back and a kick up the backside. I'm confident our heads are right for Italy."
Ireland enter Saturday's encounter as heavy favourites but O'Sullivan believes that label will count for little when battle commences at Lansdowne Road - and cites his own side's performance against England as evidence.
"Italy are unpredictable and can be very aggressive defensively. They are a difficult side to play against. Obviously we're expected to win, but we must still be at our best to achieve that," he said.
"We were underdogs at Twickenham but won. Italy will come to us as underdogs but still believe they can win. It's a big test for us because even if we beat them we won't get much credit for it."
The Six Nations could be decided by points difference should England, France and Ireland all win this weekend, the Scots lose in Dublin seven days later and Sir Clive Woodward's world champions overcome France in the last match of the tournament on March 27th.
With probably the two easiest fixtures left to come against Italy and Scotland - both at home - Ireland are in the ideal position to bank some points in case it is level pegging at the end of the championship.
But O'Sullivan insists that amassing a cricket score against the physical but limited Italians is not on the agenda and would be happy just to register victory.
"It would be terribly bad to worry about the points margin. Test matches are about winning. Putting the cart before the horse is a great way to end up looking stupid," he said.
"If we beat Italy great, if we beat them by 20 points or more then even better. If you play very well against them and get a pattern established, then you could put some points on them at the end.
"But if you don't get that start then they can prove very difficult."