Ferris hoping to emulate training ground intensity

FROM an Ireland supporter’s viewpoint, it would be the stuff of dreams for Declan Kidney’s side to emerge from a prolonged period of disappointment with a towering victory over the best side in the world this Saturday.

Given the performances of the last two weeks, save for the final 15 minutes against South Africa, that might all seem a fanciful notion but listening to Stephen Ferris, the scenario could easily become a reality.

Forget the losses to Scotland, New Zealand, Australia and the Springboks and ignore the less than inspiring win over Samoa last weekend. The Ulster back row feels that Ireland are on the cusp of realising the potential that delivered the Grand Slam in 2009.