Caelan Doris is determined to harness the painful lessons of Ireland's World Cup anguish as he prepares to begin his captaincy against New Zealand.
The 26-year-old admits he underperformed last October when Irish dreams of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup were extinguished by a heartbreaking 28-24 quarter-final loss to the All Blacks in Paris.
Doris has been a leading star of the Andy Farrell era and was named skipper for this month’s Autumn Nations Series, having twice previously filled the role on a temporary basis.
The back-row forward describes his leadership style as "actions first" and is intent on delivering a performance in Friday evening’s sold-out Aviva Stadium showdown following last year’s disappointment.
"I’ve obviously reflected on that game and I know it wasn’t near one of my best performances or where I can get to," he said of the quarter-final.
"It’s all part of the journey and the evolution of a player and of a person.
"I’m sure that game, some of the lessons from it, will lead to further development and growth for me.
"I’m looking forward to putting that into action."
Ireland have regained top spot in the world rankings after bouncing back from their latest World Cup agony by retaining the Guinness Six Nations title and then securing a creditable 1-1 series draw in South Africa.
Doris captained the team for the 25-24 second-Test success over the Springboks after also leading February’s 36-0 drubbing of Italy.
Having now officially taken the responsibility from veteran flanker Peter O’Mahony, the number 8 is beginning to feel at home in a role initially left vacant by the retirement of Johnny Sexton.
"I wouldn’t quite say it’s second nature but definitely I’m getting more comfortable in it," said Doris, who made his international debut in the first match of Farrell’s reign as head coach, a 19-12 Six Nations win over Scotland in 2020.
"I’m starting to enjoy it more.
"Between the coaches we have and the experience within the leadership group, the load is very much spread across everyone, so I don’t feel too much extra pressure or responsibility on me.
"Of course, there is some given the role but I’m becoming more settled in it."
Ireland are seeking a 20th successive home victory.
The hosts, who also take on Argentina, Fiji and Australia in the coming weeks, have won five of their past nine clashes with New Zealand.
"Every time we play them, there is a good rivalry, mutual respect, there is two good top sides going against each other and tomorrow night will be no different," said Doris.
"From last Monday when we first came together, it was about our progression, our evolution, getting better, and tomorrow night’s a big test in doing that.
"A Friday night game, here in the Aviva, packed out against New Zealand, you can’t get better than this."
Doris is also being touted as the potential British and Irish Lions captain for the 2025 tour of Australia, which will be overseen by Ireland boss Farrell.
"I’m not looking there at all to be honest," he said.
"I’m not reading into any of that, just trying to take it week by week and focus on myself and my evolution without thinking too far ahead."
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