Brian O'Driscoll will lead an unchanged side in Saturday's Six Nations international against Wales here at Croke Park when the gifted centre is set to win his 100th cap for Ireland.
Coach Declan Kidney stuck with the same starting XV that beat England 20-16 at Twickenham last time out where prop John Hayes became the first player to win 100 Ireland caps.
O'Driscoll suffered a blow to the head against England but has been passed fit to captain Ireland for the 63rd time.
"When you get your first cap it's such a huge honour," the 31-year-old O'Driscoll told reporters after Kidney unveiled his side here on Tuesday.
"I was only 20. At the start you want to win as many caps as possible, then you want to win as many matches as possible and then you get selfish and you want to win trophies.
"You don't think, one day I'll win 100 caps.
"For the last few years I've approached every Ireland game as if it will be my last. With that policy, you can't go far wrong."
However, O'Driscoll insisted his Ireland century (he's already reached the hundred cap milestone overall thanks to six Tests for the British and Irish Lions) did not signal the beginning of the end of his international career.
"I think I can go on for a bit. I'm not chopped liver just yet."
Kidney made one change on the bench where fit-again full-back Rob Kearney returns following a knee injury he sustained in defending champions Ireland's 33-10 defeat by France on February 13 - a loss that ended Irish hopes of successive Grand Slams - in place of Andrew Trimble.
Ireland, however, do still have a chance to win the Triple Crown and retain their title.
Kidney decided against throwing Kearney straight back into the starting line-up, saying: "I thought Geordan (Murphy) went well against England to warrant a second go.
"Rob has worked hard to get back but we've decided to go with Geordan."
Jamie Heaslip, the Ireland No 8, suffered an ankle injury against England but takes his place in an all-Lions back row that features Stephen Ferris and David Wallace.
Jonathan Sexton, who starred in open play while directing operations against England at Twickenham, keeps his place at fly-half with the vastly experienced Ronan O'Gara once more on the bench.
"I'm sure everybody is going to talk about the 10 but we have two great 10s," said Kidney.
Ireland have beaten Wales in eight of their last 10 matches, including last season's 17-15 win at the Millennium Stadium which clinched the Grand Slam.
Wales, who've won just once in this season's Six Nations, announced their side earlier on Tuesday.
O'Driscoll, who last year led Ireland to their first Championship clean sweep since 1948 and also enjoyed European Cup glory with Irish province Leinster, said: "Last year was fantastic. It does make things easier when you win.
"I do know the end of the line is in sight but it's about trying to achieve as much as possible in that remaining time."
O'Driscoll may have been showered with individual honours during his career but he insisted: "If you think you are the finished article, you are finished."
Ireland (15-1):
Geordan Murphy; Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll (capt), Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls; Jonathan Sexton, Tomas O'Leary; Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace, Stephen Ferris; Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan; John Hayes, Rory Best, Cian Healy
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Tony Buckley, Leo Cullen, Shane Jennings, Eoin Reddan, Ronan O'Gara, Rob Kearney
News on
RSS 
