Andrew Goodman backs Ireland to execute in attack amid November questions

They were well below their best in their opening defeat to New Zealand, and less than fluent for stretches in the victories that followed over Argentina, Fiji and Australia. 

Assistant coach Andrew Goodman poses for a portrait after an Ireland Rugby media conference at The Campus. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Whether Ireland’s attack can progress from the “clunky” execution of two months ago to smooth operators this weekend will be the key to success in their Guinness Six Nations opener at home to England but Andrew Goodman is confident his players have done all they can on the training field to make the necessary corrections.

The litmus test of that hard work after two weeks in camp together will come at Aviva Stadium on Saturday when Ireland’s bid for a record third Six Nations title in a row is given a stern opening challenge against the side which denied them back-to-back Grand Slams 11 months ago at Twickenham.