Hugo Keenan knows all about how Irish dreams can die in Cardiff but says Peter O'Mahony's red card in the 2021 loss is being used as "extra fuel" to end a losing cycle.
He was 19 when he travelled to the Welsh capital in 2015 for a dream double as a rugby supporter - he had tickets for the World Cup quarter-finals between France v New Zealand and, the following day, for Ireland v Argentina.
But hopes turned to dust against the Pumas and so Keenan was there to witness Ireland's collapse in the last eight and, at that time, playing in green was not in any way on his horizon.
"No, I didn't think at the time," said the now fully established Test full-back. "Definitely not.
"I think I was in the sub academy, playing with UCD, not even the Irish under-20s at that stage. It was a long time away in my mind."
However his Leinster and Ireland breakthrough happened as rugby came out of Covid hibernation in the autumn of 2020 and he made his Principality Stadium debut in green the following spring.
Just as will be the case on Saturday, Ireland's Six Nations opener was away to Wales. O'Mahony was sent off early and Ireland lost for the fourth time in a row in the championship in Cardiff, though it was a game they should have won.
"I think people who were part of that squad in 2019 definitely use it as an extra motivation to bring it into this Six Nations, as that extra bit of fuel," he said.
"I don't think you can dwell on it too much, or you can think about it too much or add any pressure, it's just about performing to our potential.
"It's a big challenge, isn't it? It's going to be a bit different from the last time, an empty stadium there.
"Everyone is aware of the atmosphere, especially if the roof is closed, that can be generated by the fans.
"It's an exciting place to go and we're all looking forward to that challenge."
Currently in Portugal preparing for the championship, Ireland will fly to Wales on Thursday as the world's number one ranked team.
"We've been coming together nicely, building a lot of experience," said Keenan. "When I first came in it was also the first time the likes of Caelan (Doris), Rónan Kelleher and a new batch of lads, with new coaches as well.
"So we've learned a lot through a lot of ups and downs along the way. We're a pretty close group, and it's such a competitive one as well with new and fresh faces coming in each camp, pushing for places."
Warren Gatland's return has seen a lot of Wales' old guard selected for this game, including Keenan's opposite number Leigh Halfpenny - picked for the first time since the summer of 2021.
"The nature of it being the first game, a lot of it will be focused on ourselves, worrying about what we control and getting up to speed again with everything," insisted Keenan.
"I think coming over here, being together 24/7 is a great opportunity for us to get back up to speed. Wales, it's always such a challenge, we haven't won there for a few years now.
"It's a real tough place to go. We're not underestimating the challenge, and how important the first game will be."
Keenan, 26, is among a cohort who have yet to win a Six Nations title and that is something he wants to address.
"That's what we're all chasing," he admitted. "I've never experienced it. I know some of the lads have from the 2018 side, and we're all pretty determined to do it again and I think it's taking things one game at a time.
"That's the challenge, that's the goal the coaches are setting and we're setting for ourselves. That's what we're definitely going to be aiming for. I think we have the capabilities to, so it's just about performing individually and collectively.
"I know it was still such a successful campaign in November with three wins, but I don't think we quite clicked in a lot of the areas.
"It was great beating South Africa, but then we slipped down in our standards against Fiji, and it wasn't the most polished performance against Australia.
"I think to go and compete in the Six Nations, and if we're talking about winning the championship, and going to Wales and beating them, we're going to have to be a lot better than in the Autumn.
"It's a Test week. They're always tense, tough training sessions, a lot of detail to get over, so there's definitely no holiday here!
"We've had a really productive couple of days here, and it's a big end to the week for us. We have one more proper tough training session tomorrow, and I think that'll just finalise all the little details, the last few learning points."
READ MORE:
Conor McGregor shows injuries after being knocked off bike by car as fans urge him to delete photo
Colm Boyle column: Welcome to the League that nobody wants to win
Roy Keane voices "big concern" after Man City defeat exposes Arsenal deficiency
Kilmacud Crokes lodge counter objection to GAA after controversial club final
Shay Given believes 'real deal' Evan Ferguson can be the difference in Euro 2024 qualifying
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
