Joe Schmidt has set Ireland the target of a top-two finish in the upcoming Six Nations.
Schmidt's side - third behind Wales and Grand Slam winners England last year - go into the 2017 tournament having beaten New Zealand and Australia in their autumn Tests.
The head coach says "indomitable" England are the team to beat but wants an improvement on their finish of 12 months ago.
"A top-two finish would be great," said Schmidt. "I know last year I said a top-three finish would be good given where we were at the time. But I think we've got to strive to get in that top two again now though.
"It's hard to say anything beyond that, because I think this Six Nations will be the most competitive I'll have been involved in.
"There's so many teams that have good reference points from November and good continuity, and the way Glasgow are going for Scotland at the moment, that's the core of their team with class on top too.
"There's a lot going for a lot of teams. Obviously England are top of the pile, and for the last 13, 14 months they
have been indomitable.
"To go to Australia and produce those three results was exceptional, and obviously they got the Grand Slam last year."
Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign on February 4 with an away match against Scotland.