Tomas O'Leary is adamant Grand Slam champions Ireland remain grounded despite having completed an unbeaten year.
The Irish counted world champions South Africa among their victims as they finished 2009 without tasting defeat - a run spanning eight Tests and two friendlies.
They launch the defence of their RBS 6 Nations title against Italy at Croke Park on Saturday but O'Leary insists recent success has not gone to their heads.
"Confidence in the camp is high and there's good morale among the players," said the Munster scrum-half.
"But coming into the camp, none of us have thought 'I'm a Grand Slam winner from last year'. Instead, we've come in focusing on the challenges ahead.
"We know how difficult it is to defend the Grand Slam and complacency will not be an issue.
"It makes it more difficult when there is greater expectation to win the game.
The expectation for Saturday's clash is that Ireland should get their Six Nations off to a rampant start against the championship's weakest side.
Italy are playing to avoid a hat-trick of wooden spoons but, having lost their inspirational number eight Sergio Parisse to a knee injury for the entire tournament, they are odds-on favourites to finish bottom once more.
Azzurri coach Nick Mallett has stated his side's ambition is to remain competitive in all matches, while picking off weaker teams, and O'Leary rates the threat they pose.
"I played against Italy last season and the game was very tight in the first half. They're very physical in attack and defence," he said.
"They did very well against New Zealand in the autumn. Their best players play in France, so how their provincial teams perform in the Heineken Cup doesn't reflect their strength."
O'Leary believes France will be Ireland's chief rivals for the title.
"Traditionally you'd say France are the greatest threat. They're looking very good," he said.
"It's a very even competition and any side can beat the other. That's why it's such a great competition."
© Press Association