Ireland - What they had to say
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Ireland - What they had to say
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, captain Johnny Sexton, centre Garry Ringrose, hooker Rob Herring, prop Tadhg Furlong and flanker Peter O'Mahony react to the unveiling of their team to face Romania on Saturday.
Andy Farrell, head coach
On Joe McCarthy starting in the second row:
"He deserves it with the form that he's shown not just in the games that he's played but also his preparation over the last 10 or 11 weeks. He's really progressed his game and gets an opportunity to start in the first game of the World Cup."
On the selection of the team:
"We've got lots of experience and a nice blend of youth within our squad. We've got a squad of 33 that we totally believe in. No matter what side we pick, it's going to be one that's threatening and a determined one at that."
On whether it's a team selection based on performance over the last few months or with future games in mind:
"If you can give people game-time who have not had game-time it would help, but at the same time our mindset at this stage is full steam ahead, whatever side we put out is going to be strong and we expect a fantastic performance on the weekend to kick us off in the right manner."
On how the team are handling the emotions of a Rugby World Cup:
"When you get to these type of tournaments and the euphoria that's around it, if you're a young, inexperienced type of player you can get lost in the carnival atmosphere. But we've got experience in abundance within our group that keeps the mind focused. From what I've experienced as a player or as an assistant coach, the ones that do well understand that it's just a bit of rugby. When it comes to preparation and executing under pressure at the weekend, experience allows us to make sure that we understand how to go about our business."
On the Rugby World Cup debutants in the squad:
"The youthfulness and the quality of those players is top drawer, but they also need to understand what it is they are coming in to. You don't get second chances at World Cups, you've got to wait four more years, so getting down to business is what it's all about."
On where he expects Romania to be strong on the pitch:
"For anyone that's watched them, it's pretty clear and obvious that they are a determined group. I think they would say their point of difference is their power, their aggression, the set-piece, they love mauling and the scrummaging part of the game. They're very direct in the forwards and pretty nippy and dangerous in the backs."
On setting the tone on Saturday for the rest of Ireland's campaign:
"You can't get ahead of yourself, what you have to do is make sure that you play the game how you know it should be played, with the respect that it needs to be played in. The game is going to throw up all sorts of different permutations and we'll have to be on point to adapt. Games are all about creating opportunities whether that be through your set-piece, your attack or your defence, or the breakdown. The more opportunities we create, we've got to be composed enough to make sure we capitalise on them."
Johnny Sexton, captain
On his return after a six-month injury lay-off:
"I'm delighted to be back, playing for Ireland is always special, and extra special when it comes to a World Cup, so I'm very happy to be back in the team and really looking forward to it."
"Getting back fit from the injury was the first challenge and then being able to reintegrate back into the team, getting back up to speed when you're a little bit behind. You've got to work hard to stay fit and to improve your fitness, so that's what I've tried to do over the last couple of months. We've trained hard and hopefully it will pay off on Saturday."
On his personal expectations:
"We've got lots of experience and a nice blend of youth within our squad. We've got a squad of 33 that we totally believe in. No matter what side we pick, it's going to be one that's threatening and a determined one at that."
On whether it's a team selection based on performance over the last few months or with future games in mind:
"If you can give people game-time who have not had game-time it would help, but at the same time our mindset at this stage is full steam ahead, whatever side we put out is going to be strong and we expect a fantastic performance on the weekend to kick us off in the right manner."
On how the team are handling the emotions of a Rugby World Cup:
"When you get to these type of tournaments and the euphoria that's around it, if you're a young, inexperienced type of player you can get lost in the carnival atmosphere. But we've got experience in abundance within our group that keeps the mind focused. From what I've experienced as a player or as an assistant coach, the ones that do well understand that it's just a bit of rugby. When it comes to preparation and executing under pressure at the weekend, experience allows us to make sure that we understand how to go about our business."
On the Rugby World Cup debutants in the squad:
"The youthfulness and the quality of those players is top drawer, but they also need to understand what it is they are coming in to. You don't get second chances at World Cups, you've got to wait four more years, so getting down to business is what it's all about."
On where he expects Romania to be strong on the pitch:
"For anyone that's watched them, it's pretty clear and obvious that they are a determined group. I think they would say their point of difference is their power, their aggression, the set-piece, they love mauling and the scrummaging part of the game. They're very direct in the forwards and pretty nippy and dangerous in the backs."
On setting the tone on Saturday for the rest of Ireland's campaign:
"You can't get ahead of yourself, what you have to do is make sure that you play the game how you know it should be played, with the respect that it needs to be played in. The game is going to throw up all sorts of different permutations and we'll have to be on point to adapt. Games are all about creating opportunities whether that be through your set-piece, your attack or your defence, or the breakdown. The more opportunities we create, we've got to be composed enough to make sure we capitalise on them."
Johnny Sexton, captain
On his return after a six-month injury lay-off:
"I'm delighted to be back, playing for Ireland is always special, and extra special when it comes to a World Cup, so I'm very happy to be back in the team and really looking forward to it."
"Getting back fit from the injury was the first challenge and then being able to reintegrate back into the team, getting back up to speed when you're a little bit behind. You've got to work hard to stay fit and to improve your fitness, so that's what I've tried to do over the last couple of months. We've trained hard and hopefully it will pay off on Saturday."
On his personal expectations:
"Hopefully I can go out and play well and have a good performance. I expect that of myself and there's no excuses in that regard. I've been focused on this game for the last couple of months and looking forward to it now, to finally get back on the pitch."
On playing in Bordeaux and Rugby World Cup nerves:
"The excitement of getting into an amazing venue and stadium, I'm sure the Irish will travel like they always do. It's a very different atmosphere to what you normally get at matches, it's very much like a soccer World Cup atmosphere, so we're looking forward to that. But also with that comes a bit of nerves. We've built this moment (up) for the last four years so when it's finally here the nerves do come in, but we'll embrace them and go out and try to play our best."
On Ireland never making it past the quarter-finals at a Rugby World Cup:
"I know we always get tarnished with (the fact that) we haven't got past the quarter-finals, but we have some amazing memories from World Cups, we've been very successful in our pools over the years, come away with some big victories, so a lot of good memories from World Cups. Obviously a few of them have ended badly but we're very much looking forward to it and we're not carrying any of that baggage."
On how far ahead Ireland are looking in the tournament:
"We haven't looked past this game to be honest. We do know what's ahead, the group we're in is incredibly tough, so it's all about getting out of our pool for the moment. We'll worry about the quarter-finals if we get there."
On the heat expected for Saturday's match:
"It's something that we did prepare for, it is a bit unusual in September. I lived here a few years ago and I can't remember September being this hot, so it's a bit strange but we'll adapt and it will be the same for both teams."
On his kicking:
"The early stages, I had to be careful on the back of the surgeon's advice, but over the past month I've been able to practice a little bit, try to do a little bit every day. Obviously going into a game is a little bit different, but hopefully I can lean back on experience. I dont think I've lost any range."
"The excitement of getting into an amazing venue and stadium, I'm sure the Irish will travel like they always do. It's a very different atmosphere to what you normally get at matches, it's very much like a soccer World Cup atmosphere, so we're looking forward to that. But also with that comes a bit of nerves. We've built this moment (up) for the last four years so when it's finally here the nerves do come in, but we'll embrace them and go out and try to play our best."
On Ireland never making it past the quarter-finals at a Rugby World Cup:
"I know we always get tarnished with (the fact that) we haven't got past the quarter-finals, but we have some amazing memories from World Cups, we've been very successful in our pools over the years, come away with some big victories, so a lot of good memories from World Cups. Obviously a few of them have ended badly but we're very much looking forward to it and we're not carrying any of that baggage."
On how far ahead Ireland are looking in the tournament:
"We haven't looked past this game to be honest. We do know what's ahead, the group we're in is incredibly tough, so it's all about getting out of our pool for the moment. We'll worry about the quarter-finals if we get there."
On the heat expected for Saturday's match:
"It's something that we did prepare for, it is a bit unusual in September. I lived here a few years ago and I can't remember September being this hot, so it's a bit strange but we'll adapt and it will be the same for both teams."
On his kicking:
"The early stages, I had to be careful on the back of the surgeon's advice, but over the past month I've been able to practice a little bit, try to do a little bit every day. Obviously going into a game is a little bit different, but hopefully I can lean back on experience. I dont think I've lost any range."
Garry Ringrose, centre
On Joe McCarthy getting a start:
"He's an amazing and loved guy in the squad, great to be around, and an incredible player who fully deserves this chance. He's definitely excited and we're all excited to get a crack to play with him."
On the heat in Bordeaux:
"It's tough, it's obviously a physical battle but it's also a mental battle in the heat. It's a challenge for everyone. We did a bit of pre-season in the heat in Portugal, Bayonne and Biarritz and then training in Tours. It's just the nature of the beast, so we just have to grit the teeth and get on with it. It's the same for everyone so you've got to get yourself physically ready but mentally ready for the extra bit of challenge that brings. We've spoken about it and we're going to try to embrace the challenge."
On Joe McCarthy getting a start:
"He's an amazing and loved guy in the squad, great to be around, and an incredible player who fully deserves this chance. He's definitely excited and we're all excited to get a crack to play with him."
On the heat in Bordeaux:
"It's tough, it's obviously a physical battle but it's also a mental battle in the heat. It's a challenge for everyone. We did a bit of pre-season in the heat in Portugal, Bayonne and Biarritz and then training in Tours. It's just the nature of the beast, so we just have to grit the teeth and get on with it. It's the same for everyone so you've got to get yourself physically ready but mentally ready for the extra bit of challenge that brings. We've spoken about it and we're going to try to embrace the challenge."
Rob Herring, hooker
On starting his first Rugby World Cup game:
"It's a privilege to be named in the first team to get a shot at the World Cup. I'm just going to go out there and put my best foot forward, do what I do well and hopefully I can contribute to the team if I'm doing that. If I nail my role and everyone else does theirs, we can put in a strong performance.
"It's a privilege to be named in the first team to get a shot at the World Cup. I'm just going to go out there and put my best foot forward, do what I do well and hopefully I can contribute to the team if I'm doing that. If I nail my role and everyone else does theirs, we can put in a strong performance.
On making his first Rugby World Cup squad after missing selection in 2015 and 2019:
"I always believed I was good enough to be here, since the last World Cup I've been heavily involved in the squad and have really enjoyed my time under the leadership of the coaches. It's been a great four years and I'm raring to go now."
On Ireland's lineout in recent months:
"Percentage-wise, the standard hasn't been where we want it to be in the lineout. But part of that is pre-season, we're trying different things, different combinations each week, we're trying new moves. If you go back and look at it, it's very fine margins to go from 100 per cent to 80 per cent or whatever it is. We have a great group of guys, lineout leaders who come up with the calls, and the strategy is really good. There's so many factors that contribute to a well-worked lineout, so if everyone nails their role, we'll back ourselves to go well this weekend."
On the general feeling in the squad:
"Anytime you play for Ireland is a massive moment. Over the past four years I've been around, had a few games, so I know what it's about now. There's obviously a bit more hype around the World Cup and a bit more pressure on games, but that's what we've been working towards as a team, with our mindset coach, and personally I feel like I'm in a good place. The squad as well we've been gelling really well and we feel very confident coming into this competition based on our past performances and our abilities."
On playing under Johnny Sexton's leadership as captain:
"Johnny is one of the most competitive guys I've ever played under. He's unbelievably driven, he drives the standards in training, off the pitch, everything. He's got an incredible winning mindset and he's the kind of guy you want to follow into battle because you know he's going to be giving it his all. It's been great having him back."
On Joe McCarthy:
"His power and size, scrumming behind him is unbelievable. For a young guy, he's really honed his craft and he's consistently delivering. The whole front row is excited having him behind us. For a guy his age, he's a very mature player and he's a great person off the pitch - he's always got witty jokes."
"I always believed I was good enough to be here, since the last World Cup I've been heavily involved in the squad and have really enjoyed my time under the leadership of the coaches. It's been a great four years and I'm raring to go now."
On Ireland's lineout in recent months:
"Percentage-wise, the standard hasn't been where we want it to be in the lineout. But part of that is pre-season, we're trying different things, different combinations each week, we're trying new moves. If you go back and look at it, it's very fine margins to go from 100 per cent to 80 per cent or whatever it is. We have a great group of guys, lineout leaders who come up with the calls, and the strategy is really good. There's so many factors that contribute to a well-worked lineout, so if everyone nails their role, we'll back ourselves to go well this weekend."
On the general feeling in the squad:
"Anytime you play for Ireland is a massive moment. Over the past four years I've been around, had a few games, so I know what it's about now. There's obviously a bit more hype around the World Cup and a bit more pressure on games, but that's what we've been working towards as a team, with our mindset coach, and personally I feel like I'm in a good place. The squad as well we've been gelling really well and we feel very confident coming into this competition based on our past performances and our abilities."
On playing under Johnny Sexton's leadership as captain:
"Johnny is one of the most competitive guys I've ever played under. He's unbelievably driven, he drives the standards in training, off the pitch, everything. He's got an incredible winning mindset and he's the kind of guy you want to follow into battle because you know he's going to be giving it his all. It's been great having him back."
On Joe McCarthy:
"His power and size, scrumming behind him is unbelievable. For a young guy, he's really honed his craft and he's consistently delivering. The whole front row is excited having him behind us. For a guy his age, he's a very mature player and he's a great person off the pitch - he's always got witty jokes."
Tadhg Furlong, prop
On the pressure of playing against Romania and being strong favourites:
"To perform well there's always pressure. Of course there's different pressure with different opposition, but it doesn't change what we want to do on the pitch and how we want to play.
"We treat any game on its merit and what the opposition brings. We treat them (Romania) with the utmost respect because they deserve it. It's a huge game for them and it's a huge game for us. We've done our analysis and you respect what they do but you try to counteract some of their strengths."
On the pressure of playing against Romania and being strong favourites:
"To perform well there's always pressure. Of course there's different pressure with different opposition, but it doesn't change what we want to do on the pitch and how we want to play.
"We treat any game on its merit and what the opposition brings. We treat them (Romania) with the utmost respect because they deserve it. It's a huge game for them and it's a huge game for us. We've done our analysis and you respect what they do but you try to counteract some of their strengths."
On the atmosphere among the fans and the team:
"We all know how the Irish travel, we all know what World Cups mean to our people, our fans. The lads are raring to go and get that buzz around the place, to feel it and soak it in. Once you taste that you know the World Cup is here."
Peter O'Mahony, flanker
On the heat in Bordeaux:
"It's difficult, it's unusual for this time of year, but the management have designed certainly the back-end of our pre-season around some hot-weather training in Biarritz and some time in Portugal, and all of them were similar temperatures and humidity to here, so we've certainly had a good amount of training in these conditions. The time we were in Portugal there was a heatwave and something similar in Biarritz, and it's been the same here, so we've had some great exposure to it."
On Irish support in the stadium:
"With the utmost respect to Romania, I imagine there's going to be a lot of Irish in the crowd, regardless of where we're playing and particularly this weekend in Bordeaux.
"We all know how the Irish travel, we all know what World Cups mean to our people, our fans. The lads are raring to go and get that buzz around the place, to feel it and soak it in. Once you taste that you know the World Cup is here."
Peter O'Mahony, flanker
On the heat in Bordeaux:
"It's difficult, it's unusual for this time of year, but the management have designed certainly the back-end of our pre-season around some hot-weather training in Biarritz and some time in Portugal, and all of them were similar temperatures and humidity to here, so we've certainly had a good amount of training in these conditions. The time we were in Portugal there was a heatwave and something similar in Biarritz, and it's been the same here, so we've had some great exposure to it."
On Irish support in the stadium:
"With the utmost respect to Romania, I imagine there's going to be a lot of Irish in the crowd, regardless of where we're playing and particularly this weekend in Bordeaux.
On what the team have learnt from their Rugby World Cup pre-season:
"We've certainly missed a few beats over the last few weeks but a lot of it has been good for us. Not that we needed a reality check but it's just a reminder, which is great before a World Cup, that teams are going to be at their very best. Now that we're world number one, we've got a big target on our back, so every team you play are going to be at their best to try to knock you over. It was a good reminder for us over the last few weeks that we need to be all over things from minute one to minute 80."
"We've certainly missed a few beats over the last few weeks but a lot of it has been good for us. Not that we needed a reality check but it's just a reminder, which is great before a World Cup, that teams are going to be at their very best. Now that we're world number one, we've got a big target on our back, so every team you play are going to be at their best to try to knock you over. It was a good reminder for us over the last few weeks that we need to be all over things from minute one to minute 80."
