Andy Farrell gives some insight into Ireland's 23

Andy Farrell, head coach

On being able to name the same starting XV:

“People get injured and there are always bangs at the start of the week. Some turn round a lot quicker than you would expect. As far as Keith Earls is concerned, it was a little bit too quick for him this week, so he will get back to his rehab and we are very confident if we push on through [to the semi-finals], he will be fit for next week. It’s the same with Robbie Henshaw, they are both progressing well. James Ryan is out with wrist injury but we expect him to be fit for next week if we are able to get that far.”

On whether the mood has changed now they are into the knockout stages:

“We were in the same mood last week. It’s big-boy stuff isn’t it, we’re at the business end of the competition. When you get to this point in the competition, you hopefully draw on the good experiences you have had and put ourselves under over the last few years for moments like this. We have got a very experienced group who have been through a lot.”

On whether as a head coach he ever works with mental skills coach Gary Keegan:

“I’m constantly locking myself in a room and giving myself a good dressing down! Obviously Gary gets us as mentally fit as we can be. But myself, Gary and the rest of coaches do everything together and work out what’s needed for the team.”