Shane Horgan: Ireland facing battle of nerves at Rugby World Cup

Ireland must conquer the “step-up in psychological pressure” to become genuine World Cup contenders, according to Shane Horgan.

Former British and Irish Lions wing Horgan believes Joe Schmidt’s men “have the capacity” to win the autumn’s World Cup – but only if they hold their nerve.

The ex-Leinster and Ireland battering ram is confident back-to-back RBS Six Nations titles can hand head coach Schmidt’s men an edge in England.