Ferris encouraged by performance of back row

Stephen Ferris insists Ireland's back row is capable of mixing it with any loose trio at the World Cup.

Stephen Ferris insists Ireland's back row is capable of mixing it with any loose trio at the World Cup.

Ferris, Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip have formed the tournament's most effective partnership, though Wales and New Zealand are pushing them close.

There are few more destructive ball carriers than Ferris and O'Brien, the flankers whose physicality has identified them as Ireland's outstanding players.

Number eight Heaslip has shown a remarkable appetite for work and is the only member of the squad to have played every minute of all four pool matches.

"We fancy ourselves against any back row at the World Cup. Given the way we're playing we'd rate ourselves against anyone," said Ferris.

"It's great being a part of this unit. Sean has been fantastic. The Italy game was only the second time I've started with him.

"Every time he carries the ball you're looking to run off his shoulder because you know he'll break the first tackle.

"Against Italy he showed the world what he's made of.

"Sean thinks the same of me and we both think the same of Jamie.

"We seem to be clicking very well and sharing the workload. The balance is good - it's worked well so far."

The back row has spearheaded Ireland's march into the quarter-finals, where they will meet Wales in Wellington on Saturday.

Victories over Australia and Italy, who were ruthlessly crushed 36-6 yesterday, have identified them as genuine contenders to reach the final.

"Coming into the World Cup we talked about taking it game by game and that's what we've done," said Ferris.

"We need to approach Wales with the same attitude - the only thing that matters is beating them.

"Wales are playing some good stuff at the moment. We watched them before we played Italy.

"They looked very silky and it will be another massive contest for us. But the way we're playing at the moment we can beat anyone.

"Over the last couple of years we've been capable of raising our game - just look at the 2009 Grand Slam, beating England in March and then Australia here.

"Every week it's getting bigger and bigger. The prize for beating Wales is massive as it will mean we're here to the end of the tournament.

"All the focus will be on doing a job on these boys."

Ireland lost all four warm-up internationals yet have so far proved one of the success stories of the World Cup, prompting Ferris to draw similarities with England four years ago.

"Australia was a game we knew we could win if we played to our potential, but there's more in the tank," said the Lions flanker.

"We feel as though we're progressing game by game. Against Italy we showed we can be clinical and our decision making throughout was exceptional.

"The way we're playing, we have to be ambitious. England four years ago didn't have a good record coming into the competition but reached the final. Hopefully we can go one step further."

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Leo Cullen 28/3/2024 Developing cohesion the biggest challenge for Cullen
Ospreys v Munster - United Rugby Championship Kendellen: Munster can't underestimate Cardiff threat
2015 Super Rugby: Cell C Sharks v Western Force Springboks legend John Smit says 'phenomenal' URC has proved doubters wrong
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited