Stringer lays down favourites challenge

Peter Stringer has demanded Ireland prove their underdog mentality has been consigned to history by sealing a clean sweep of victories from their autumn series.

Ireland complete their November schedule with tomorrow’s clash against the Pacific Islands in what should prove to be the easiest of the three Tests.

Expectation has been heightened by emphatic wins over South Africa and Australia, results which have lifted them to third in the world rankings.

Significantly, they entered new territory by being rated clear favourites for both Tests and responded in breathtaking fashion to put them on the brink of an autumn hat-trick.

With the World Cup less than a year away Irish rugby is in rude health and Munster scrum-half Stringer is impressed by the way they are living up to their reputation.

“We’re feeling confident. The provinces have done well in the Celtic League and Europe recently and that success has had an effect on the national set-up,” he said,

“Bringing winning teams together has helped with the national side. Now we’re ranked third in the world – our joint highest position – and that creates its own pressure.

“The Irish have been underdogs and have handled that tag a lot better than when we were favourites.

“But with the way things have gone with us winning games, the main pressure now is to deal with the favourites tag, which we are doing.

“Guys get that confidence from winning Heineken Cup matches and internationals.

“We know we can beat the best teams in the world and shouldn’t find it so daunting playing the big games in the World Cup.

“Winning is a habit and we want to keep that habit. We’ve had two good wins under our belts now.

“For this squad it’s about keeping that performance up to a level that we know we can play at and not dipping because we’re playing certain opposition.

“We have to give it 100% against the Islands. This is the last of the autumn games and everyone wants to leave a lasting impression. That’s motivation enough for anyone.”

One weakness in Irish rugby has been the lack of depth but there are signs coach Eddie O’Sullivan is developing genuine competition for places in some positions.

The likes of Paul O’Connell, John Hayes and Ronan O’Gara are irreplaceable but elsewhere the options are increasing with scrum-half one area of growing strength.

New Zealand-born Isaac Boss made his full debut against Australia and performed well in difficult conditions, although he did attract criticism for trying to break too often.

The 26-year-old may lack Stringer’s slick delivery but is a more rugged player and provides a genuine alternative to Ireland’s first choice scrum-half.

Stringer hailed a solid performance from his understudy but admits sitting on the bench for the Wallaby match is not an experience he wants to repeat.

“Isaac did well. The conditions were absolutely horrendous. It was really bad at pitch level. It was impossible to do anything passing-wise,” he said.

“The forwards did very well in front of him, giving good ball and he managed to get it away. The lads got a few tries out wide so it was a good performance for him.

“It’s hard being on the bench because with the team you want to be playing in every match.

“Sitting in the stands can be a surreal experience and you feel very isolated. Fortunately it’s not a position I’ve been in a lot.

“It really does hit home that you have to work for every minute you play, whether that be for your province or Ireland.

“It hits home that it’s someone else’s opportunity to shine.”

Ulsterman Paddy Wallace, making his first Test start, has been handed the number 10 shirt for tomorrow in what is a crucial opportunity to prove he should used as back-up for O’Gara at the World Cup.

“Paddy can play anywhere in the backline. He’s a great talent who started very well for Ulster this season. He’s always been there or thereabouts,” said Stringer.

“He’s a good playmaker with an intelligent head on him. The ability of being able to play at fly-half or centre is very useful.”