It is a testament as to just how far this Ireland rugby team have come that successive Six Nations triumphs is something that the supporters have come to expect.
Andy Farrell's men have set incredibly high standards over the last two years, taking Irish rugby to a whole new level. Their disappointment at the World Cup aside (and that is a loss that will hang over the team for the next three years), they have been absolutely imperious for the best part of two years.
That is something that they will look to continue moving forward.
READ HERE: Ireland Player Ratings As Six Nations Claimed With Gritty Win Over Scotland
Rugby: Rob Kearney's explains huge improvements from Bundee Aki
If you want a symbol of the improvements made by this Ireland team, look no further than Bundee Aki.
While he has always been a very talented player, it was accepted that he had limitations in his game when he first came onto the international scene. His passing was limited, with his threat in possession largely built around the power game.
That has all changed. Aki still has that power game, but he has added to it with brilliant playmaking from the inside centre position and the type of attacking ingenuity many felt he was incapable of producing.
Speaking on Virgin Media this evening, Rob Kearney summed up how much the Connacht man has developed over the last few seasons.
He's going to the gain line square, which is the biggest difference in his game. When he first came in, he was a little bit lateral.
Now he can take it dead straight, which sits down the entire opposition. He's running at such full speed that you can't tell whether he will play the ball out the back or run over the top of you.
They are the little intricacies that will make you a great player instead of a very good player...
Not long ago, we were having a conversation that Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw were Ireland's best centre partnership for sure.
[Bundee Aki was] Ireland's best player at the World Cup and our best performer in this Six Nations, along with Jamison Gibson-Park.
That's what you want from the people in your team: to bring their game to the next level.
That sums it up nicely.
Bundee Aki is now among the best players in world rugby, a run that extends back over 12 months.
Here's hoping that continues for the foreseeable future.
SEE ALSO: Brian O'Driscoll Serves Timely Reminder To Ireland Rugby Fans After Six Nations Win
