Irish prop Tadhg Furlong says a massive performance is going to be required to beat New Zealand next weekend.
Japan's historic win over Scotland on Sunday afternoon means Ireland finish second in Pool A and set up a quarter-final encounter with the All Blacks.
26-year-old Furlong has been looking ahead to next Saturday's clash with Joe Schmidt's native country and what can be done to beat them.
“Hard work, really.
"So dangerous, aren’t they?
"You can’t switch off.
"Just working really hard, staying switched on mentally because they can make something out of nothing with some of the players they have.
“I suppose there’s an element of just being physical, isn’t there?
"It’s the same in any rugby game you play but as a front-five forward, it’s all about being as physical as you can and hopefully coming out on top."
Furlong went over for Ireland's second try on Saturday in their 47-5 win over Samoa.
It was the Leinster man's second try of the tournament and he was asked afterward what he was thinking as he crossed the line.
“Nothing.
"It’s mad when you see stuff back and you’ve no clue as to when or how this happened.
"I suppose when you carry the ball, you just try to win that initial contact and keep your feet under you and keep pumping the legs, and you end up where you end up, really.
"It’s kind of mad, really, when you’re in that moment ad it floats away after.
“They don't come around too often for me so I'll make sure I gloat when I see a few lads later."
Furlong lined out for Ireland in the two victories over New Zealand in recent years.
He feels this experience will give them a boost as they prepare for the huge quarter-final test but there's no room for complacency in the week ahead.
“You can draw a bit of confidence from that but rugby evolves and it evolves quickly.
"We haven't played either team in a few years now really, or a year since New Zealand, but the game moves on - stuff changes, systems change.
"It gives us confidence that we have got results in the past but at the same time, it doesn't guarantee you anything.
"It doesn't mean they're going to rock up and play the same plan as before.”
Everyone’s in the Team Of Us.
Vodafone. The Official Sponsor of the Irish Rugby Team.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
