Paul O'Connell says Ireland are becoming best Test side he has ever played in

Paul O'Connell believes Ireland could be building into the best Test side he has ever played in after their 19-9 win over England kept them on course for a Six Nations Grand Slam.

Captain O'Connell racked up his 99th Ireland cap in Sunday's one-sided victory as Ireland equalled their record of 10 consecutive wins.

After the match, the veteran lock claimed head coach Joe Schmidt could forge a side to surpass even the achievements of the 2009 Grand Slam-winning side that contained greats such as Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy.

"Yeah, it's close to it," said O'Connell when asked if Ireland now boast the best side of his career.

"I think we're doing a lot of things really well. The way we're preparing is a lot different from what we've done in the past in my time here.

"I just think the game-by-game focus suits Irish teams and Irish people.

"I'm sure the coaches look at the bigger picture but for us, there will be a fairly brutal review of this game and we'll be put under pressure then to prepare certain things for Wales, and that will be the sole focus of the players.

"And it works well for us, it gets the best out of us. It's creating a brilliant set-up and an exciting set-up to be involved in."

Grand Slam talk

Boss Schmidt has guided Ireland from ninth to third in the world rankings and victory over England leaves only New Zealand to beat for the Kiwi to run the full win card against major Test powers.

The way we're preparing is a lot different from what we've done in the past in my time here.

The former Clermont and Leinster coach admitted he is still not ready to talk openly about a Grand Salm tilt, despite the reigning champions now being odds-on to retain their title.

"No, I'll wait for Brian O'Driscoll's tweet to put the pressure on me," said Schmidt.

Now-retired record caps holder O'Driscoll tweeted that Ireland could be on for a Grand Slam following the 18-11 victory over France.

In the clash against England, Schmidt confirmed fly-half Johnny Sexton suffered a hamstring tweak while Sean O'Brien was removed due to concussion. Both are likely to be fit to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday March 14.

"I think we've decided we'll park everything for 24 hours, get a bit of recovery and then try to springboard ourselves forward," said Schmidt.

"At this stage, probably for once we're going to just enjoy the moment and take a deep breath.

"Control's fickle: it's nice to be in this position in the tournament, without a doubt.

"Even our points-differential is very much aided by the 10-point swing today, because it's a 20-point swing with England, which is potentially pretty important because they've got two home games and could accumulate a few points.

"But they could also put a bit of pressure on in that perspective if we do slip up in either of the next two games.

"Grand Slams don't happen that often, it's pretty hard to get them.

"And it's going to be very hard in the Millennium, Wales have got themselves back into the Championship and the last time they won the Championship, they lost their first game at home and went through to win the tournament.

"So they are no doubt eyeing up something similar this year."