‘Irish have shed inferiority complex’
HEAD coach Andy Farrell says Ireland have learned how to become comfortable with being the world's number one side as they prepare to face New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Irish reclaimed top spot with year's series win over the All Blacks.
New Zealand have spent the most time atop the rankings, but many people consider Ireland marginal favourites for tomorrow’s knockout match in Paris.
Farrell was asked about being "top dog" after naming his team on Wednesday.
"I suppose an inferiority complex is what's happened in the past, as far as getting to world number one and thinking that we're going to fall off a cliff, because this shouldn't be happening to Ireland," the Englishman said.
"I think what we've learned to do is throw ourselves into big challenges and try to meet them head on and embrace that."
Ireland have shown no signs of struggling with the number one tag over the last last 15 months. They have won 17 Tests in a row, bagged a Six Nations Grand Slam and claimed a statement win over world champions South Africa earlier in this tournament.
But all of that pales in comparison to what possibly lies ahead for the Irish. They are attempting to progress beyond the quarterfinals for the first time in a quest to emulate England's Grand Slam and World Cup double in 2003.
Farrell says he has a respect for New Zealand which is rooted in their staying power at the summit of world rugby over the years.
Nevertheless, Farrell can improve his record against the All Blacks as head coach to four wins from five at Stade de France tomorrow.
"We don't want to be second best, we want to be first best, but we also realise what comes with that is people are chasing you down," said Farrell, whose side can equal New Zealand and England's record run of 18 consecutive Test wins by a tier one nation this weekend.
"You've seen with the All Blacks over the last 20 years. That's why they're so respected, because it's hard to stay at the top.
"The guys that are the favourites are always the ones I've always looked at, throughout my career, and envied really because of how hard it is to do that. — BBC.