Farrell will have Ireland fired up says Robinson
JASON Robinson insists it would be foolish to write off a potential Irish World Cup winners party despite a dip in form since ploughing their way towards the top of the global rankings.
And the former England hero warns Eddie Jones and his men that his old mate Andy Farrell will have the men in green well and truly fired up to cause a few pre-Japan jitters when they clash at Twickenham in six days’ time.
A home defeat by England in the Six Nations followed by a loss against Wales in Cardiff had some critics questioning whether this Irish class of 2019 had peaked too soon and may not have the mental or physical powers finally to get their hands on rugby’s holy grail.
But 2003-winning full-back Robinson would not be surprised if those setbacks, since overcoming
New Zealand just nine months ago in Dublin, could be a blessing in disguise for a team which has never been comfortable being over-hyped. Robinson, below, told TRP: “Ireland have slipped off the pace a bit over the last 12 months but they can still win the World Cup. For me, they are still one of the top six sides who could win the trophy. “They have not been in good form of late and have struggled since they put together their long winning run, but the fact they are being written off by some people because of the dip could well work in their favour.
“They will probably enjoy going into the competition not being one of the favourites to win it. We all know the Irish are at their most dangerous when they come into a tournament under the radar.
“We’ve seen them beat New Zealand last November and they still have an outstanding pack of forwards as well as some excellent finishers in their backs. The pressure is off them now and they will be in a good place heading to Japan.
“I certainly expect my old mate Andy Farrell to have them fired up and ready for next weekend. It’s going to be a another extremely physical contest between two teams keen to show they are ready to lift the World Cup.
“England looked very good last week despite a few changes and a few players withdrawing late through injury. I thought Willi Heinz and Lewis Ludlam put in really strong performances against Wales."