Ferris: This was no one-off performance
The 15-6 victory at a packed and noisy Eden Park has placed the Irish in control of Pool C and on the brink of qualification for the quarter-finals.
Their greatest World Cup win and first against Tri-Nations opposition in the competition indicates they are capable of making a genuine impact in New Zealand.
But Ferris, who starred among an outstanding Ireland back row, insists they have yet to reach full potential despite humbling the second favourites.
“We didn’t peak against Australia. There’s definitely a lot more attacking ability to come from us,” he said.
“This wasn’t a one-off performance, we knew this was brewing and we’re glad it happened against Australia.
“We’ll be targeting a big win on Sunday against Russia and a big win against Italy the weekend after that.
“If we keep playing like we did against Australia, hopefully, we’ll be able to maintain this and go further in the tournament.
“We’re still taking it game by game. We said at the start of the World Cup we just want to get out of the group.
“But our performance against Australia has put us in a good position.”
Ferris was responsible for the highlight of the match towards the end of the first half when he grabbed Will Genia at the back of yet another crumbling Wallaby scrum and carried him 10 yards.
The hunger of Ireland’s pack was evident as they piled in behind the Ulster hardman, rattling Australia. The youngest squad in the World Cup was taught a lesson by the oldest.
Considering Ferris was playing only his third match since sustaining a serious knee injury in January, it was a phenomenal performance that saw him wreak havoc throughout.
“The injury isn’t in the back of my mind at all. I was in the best shape of my life for the 2009 Lions tour,” he said. “But now I have three 80-minute performances under my belt and I’m starting to pick it up.
“I’m playing in a great team. Fingers crossed I’ll keep improving.”
Heroes in Ireland’s pack were everywhere, from the brutally effective Seán O’Brien to marauding Munster colossus Paul O’Connell, from man-of-the-match Cian Healy to destructive tighthead Mike Ross.
Ferris revealed the inspiration for victory came from senior players such as O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll, who are playing in their final World Cup.
“You look at them in the changing room before a match and you see how much it means to them,” he said.
“Paul O’Connell started with tears in his eyes, telling us how he will attack the game in the first 10 minutes. You take heart from that. I’m a fairly quiet man when it comes to the changing room and on the pitch. I listen to those guys and feed off them.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
