Staying focused key to Ireland's success, says Paul O'Connell

For all the heights Paul O’Connell scaled as a player for Munster, Ireland, and the British & Irish Lions, he was never part of a team as consistently successful as this Irish team

KEY COG: Forwards coach Paul O'Connell after an Ireland rugby media conference at Complexe de la Chambrerie in Tours. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

For all the heights Paul O’Connell scaled as a player for Munster, Ireland, and the British & Irish Lions, he was never part of a team as consistently successful as the Irish team he now coaches.

Those heights were sporadic, particularly at World Cups, with the former lock a part of sides that notched famous pool victories over Australia at Eden Park in 2011 and France in Cardiff four years later, a win scarred by a career-ending hamstring injury on his 108th and final Ireland appearance.