Rory Best admits he has "big boots to fill" after being named Ireland captain last week.
The 33-year-old hooker will win his 90th cap when he leads Ireland out against Wales in Dublin on Sunday February 7.
He brings a wealth of experience to the captaincy role which will be necessary in replacing Paul O'Connell, who retired from international rugby after the World Cup.
Best acknowledges the quality and influence that previous captains have had - with predecessors such as O'Connell, Brian O'Driscoll and Keith Wood - and he understands what is expected of him.
"Every time there is a change you are filling big shoes," said Best
"It's a big challenge. The one thing that certainly Paul did really well was that he didn't change how he went about things.
"You don't have to revinvent things ... I'll try to lead by example while leaning very heavily on senior players."
Coach Joe Schmidt believes Best was a natural choice to take over from O'Connell.
"As coaches all we did was endorse the feeling from the playing group," said the New Zealander.
"He is our most capped international and his experience and performances have been first rate. Off the pitch he's a consummate professional."