Ireland can gain hope from the last three World Cups when it comes to bouncing back from defeat, according to defence coach Andy Farrell. Ireland face Russia in Kobe tomorrow morning on the back of an unexpected defeat at the hands of tournament hosts Japan last weekend.
“I think you can use a set-back in the right manner,” he said after this morning’s Captain’s Run at the Kobe Misaki Stadium.
"I think you can look at the last three World Cups, South Africa lost to Japan and lost the semi-final (to New Zealand) 20-18 (in 2015), you look at 2011 France looked in disarray and there's a debate about whether they should have won the final.
"In 2007, I was part of the England squad that got a thrashing against South Africa. There was a bit of turmoil in that camp and they managed to get to the final... There was a debatable try that was disallowed.
"You can use these to your advantage, they're not ideal but if you use them to your advantage they can be powerful.
"After a couple of days of understanding the reasons why, we're in good spirits, back on track and ready to prove a point."
The entire squad were out in front of the cameras at the match venue this morning in Japan, with Johnny Sexton set to lead Ireland into their third pool game. Farrell was asked about the decision to make Sexton captain instead of Peter O’Mahony.
“Well, it's always been a toss of a coin with those two because they're so influential on the team and such good professionals and with the experience they've both got,” he said.
"Johnny has been great within camp the whole pre-season, he's right on song and he's determined to put his feelings across to the team.
"His calmness of how to deal with these situations is going to be crucial in the next two weeks."
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