O’Connell: We can win ugly

EVERY dog has its day and Ireland are due a break at the World Cup. For Paul O’Connell and others in his generation, New Zealand in September will be the last chance they have of leaving a mark on rugby’s biggest global stage.

Perhaps it is no surprise to hear the Munster captain warn fans and pundits that the events of the coming months may not be easy on the eye.

After the disappointment of four years ago, those who were there are keen to move on. The second row wants Ireland to replicate the English model of grinding out results to make a mark.