FOR MANY IN Ireland’s World Cup training squad, the last reference point on the pitch in a green jersey was a deeply disappointing outing in Cardiff.
With the roof open and the rain teeming down, Ireland delivered a performance that left many of their supporters concerned about the World Cup, ensuring that the optimism produced during 2018 was brought back down to earth.
Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
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It’s one of the reasons that Saturday’s clash with England feels important for Ireland, a chance for Joe Schmidt’s team to get some momentum rolling with an encouraging performance. It feels like players and supporters alike would benefit from their team displaying signs that the World Cup will bring out the best in them.
Conor Murray is among the players set for their first outings of the new season in Twickenham, having worked hard for the last eight weeks to get himself into prime condition.
After overcoming Italy in Dublin two weekends ago, this weekend will be a real step up for Ireland. It’s time to put the Six Nations – which started on a poor note with a defeat to England in Dublin – firmly in the rear-view mirror.