<text>  Typical Paul OConnell. Ireland are chasing down a possible second Grand Slam in six years and, instead of the narrative being exclusively about how Joe Schmidts side will fare in jumping hurdle number four at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, the skippers 100th cap for his country is providing a smokescreen for teammates glad of a diversionary topic. OConnell wouldnt be of a mind to mention his milestone within camp himself. But still, as a topic for his comrades to pass the time with during short media sessions, it falls into perfect, anything-but-Wales, territory. Take Devin Toner, the Leinster giant who has become OConnells regular second-row sidekick over the past few seasons. Paul OConnell is preparing for his 100th cap for his country at the Millenium Stadium on Saturday . Joe Schmidt are chasing down a possible second Grand Slam in six years at the Millenium Stadium . Ask about the general mechanics of the Irish lineout and the response is brief. I dont want to give anything away about lineout strategies, he says. Enquire about the centurion, though, and theres, eventually, much greater pep to his patter. Theres not much more to be said that hasnt already been said about Paulie. Hes a world-class player and I dont think Id be the player I am today without having played with him. Ive learned so much from all the second rows Ive played with, especially Leo Cullen and Paul. Hes a massive leader in the squad, just a massive player on the pitch and players look up to him, says Toner, who admits to closely watching OConnells ruck clear-outs as something hed like to replicate. OConnell gets angry during the Ireland training session at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland . Just to get to 100 caps is a huge testament to how he has looked after himself and to play at the top level for that long since his debut against Wales in 2002 is unbelievable. It was more intimidating playing against him for the first time because I didnt really fancy it to be honest, continues Toner, adding that this provincial level fear has eroded now that they are Test colleagues. He wouldnt be in my head now... but hes kind of like Joe Schmidt in that you need to know your detail or he gets on top of you. Thats a hugely good thing. More players should be doing it. He has driven standards along with Joe... the two of them just drive the squad. You dont want to disappoint either of them. Mike Ross is another not shy about chipping in his tuppence-worth about the Ireland captain who lifted the Six Nations trophy in Paris last year. James Haskell on the loose ball ahead of Devin Toner and Jordi Murphy during the RBS Six Nations . OConnell looks on after his teams victory during the RBS Six Nations match between Ireland and England . He has always led from the front. He might look a bit mad from the sidelines but he has always got this calm head. If things are going south, Paulie is a good man to bring everything back under check, says the veteran tighthead about his fellow 35-year-old. When he was playing for Young Munster, I was over in Fermoy playing Junior Two or something like that. The first time I came into contact with him was at a Munster Under 20s training session. He has always stood out, recalls Ross. I remember watching him take the park for a pre-season friendly, coming on for Mick ODriscoll. He was an impressive physical specimen even then. Then he makes his debut against Wales and scores a try that he doesnt remember due to concussion. Ireland captain OConnell during the Ireland training session at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland . He has always made an impression whenever he gets the chance. Its a testament to the career he has had and the esteem in which he is held that he will now get his 100th cap. Hes always looking for more at training sessions. He was questioning me this week on what bind feels best in a particular scrum. Even now hes still looking for new things. The OConnell theme done and dusted, its on to the more serious business at hand - successfully defending the championship. This time last year, Ireland were picking up the pieces following their lost Triple Crown match at Twickenham which left them gunning for just the Six Nations title. Italys prop Martin Castrogiovanni is tackled by Toner during the Six Nations clash at the Olympic Stadium . However, while they now still have everything to play for after three championship wins stretched their overall unbeaten run to a record equalling 10 matches, Toner doesnt feel there is a different dynamic to 2015s round four preparations - even though Grand Slam is the phrase on every Ireland supporters lips. I dont think there is much difference. If we look at it now, its semifinal and final time, so we are in a good place. Its similar to last year. If we win the two games, we win the championship and the Grand Slam, says Toner, adding that the growing hype outside their secluded Carton House base is largely passing him by, save for last Sundays visit to his old North Kildare stomping ground. I dont really read the newspaper or see much that goes on. Obviously people want to talk about it but Im just naturally relaxed about it. It doesnt really faze me. I dont really get hyped up at all. 