Archer targets push for World Cup spot

MUNSTER tighthead prop Stephen Archer is still confident he can push for an Ireland World Cup spot despite missing out on the Six Nations.

The 31-year-old Cork native made his Irish debut in 2013 as a replacement against Italy but only has two caps for his country.

And having watched events in Rome from home with his four-yearold son Casey last Sunday, Archer thinks he can definitely contribute and be one of a trio of tightheads who make the trip to Japan.

“I must be somewhere close, anyone who is involved in their provinces the whole time, everyone has a chance with the country but it’s just about putting your hand up for selection and putting in big performances in big matches,” said Archer.

“Scarlets is an important match and then down the line there’s big European Cup matches and knockout rugby, if you can get the nod for those matches and perform at a high level then you’re in with a shout.

“I’d always back myself. I was watching the Italy match and you obviously want to be out there but from a personal point of view, it’s disappointing not to be there so you just have to get on with it and look forward to playing with Munster.

“To improve my own performances with Munster is the only thing I can do really, keep improving as a player and if we keep going as a team and I am in there week in, week out hopefully I will get the nod.”

Archer has already played 20 times for Munster this season, and after featuring for over an hour in the 19-13 win at Ospreys, he hopes to make a big impact in Wales again this weekend, against Scarlets.

“It would be brilliant (to win before the break). I suppose we are going to have to win,” said Archer.

“Glasgow are going to Zebre and you’d expect Glasgow to get a win there so if we want to stay on top of our conference we are going to have to have to get the win and Parc y Scarlets isn’t an easy place to get a win.”