Johnny Sexton admits it's a little surreal to finally reach this point again.
Sexton sat in the stands injured in Cardiff four years ago as Ireland crashed out at the World Cup quarter-final stage to Argentina.
He's waited a long time for today's game and a return to this stage.
"It's been a long time in the back of our minds, this quarter-final," said the out-half. "It was always going to be the case that if we did get through our pool, we were going to play South Africa or New Zealand, with respect to the other sides.
"That was the likelihood and we're here now. It's a little bit surreal to think it, I can't believe it's finally here.
"This time four years ago, I was a supporter like you guys and it's not a great place to be.
"So we're really looking forward to getting out there on the big stage and trying to show what we can do against the best team in the world, a team that hasn't lost a World Cup game in two World Cups.
"It's going to be an enormous challenge but one we're excited and eager about. We want to make people at home really proud."
Sexton believes this current Ireland team is "right up there" with the best he's ever played in.
"That's where we get our little bit of belief and bit of confidence from, when you look around this circle," he explained.
"I'm not talking about the experienced lads, but you look around and see guys like Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale, James Ryan, the guys that are just top quality people and players - and then you look and see all the experienced guys who have been around the block.
"So that's what gives us belief and confidence. But in terms of the team, yeah, right up there and our biggest strength is our collective, and we'd pretty much do anything for each other".
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