Power of positive thinking

FROM the sublime to the Soviets.

On the back of Ireland’s greatest World Cup performance and victory against Australia, as an encore Declan Kidney’s men had to recharge the batteries and face a challenge from the opposite end of the spectrum.

Sandwiched in between the must-win final Pool C game against Italy in Dunedin on Sunday, it was imperative that Ireland maintain their focus to deal with the task in Rotorua against Russia.