Stephen Ferris expects rollercoaster ride for Ireland at World Cup
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The Rugby World Cup starts on Friday and Ladbrokes ambassador Stephen Ferris examines the chances of Ireland winning the tournament for the first time.
Ireland’s journey in Rugby World Cups has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows.
While they have demonstrated their prowess on the international stage with strong performances in the Six Nations Championship and other tests, they have faced challenges in translating that success into World Cup glory. The 2023 tournament offers another chance for Ireland to prove their mettle on the grandest stage of them all.
Andy Farrell’s squad of 33 undoubtedly has a lot of quality, but it also has a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talent. The squad has been split into 18 forwards and 15 backs, and now each one of these players needs to shoulder the country’s expectations.
Ireland are ranked the best team in the world and have been for quite some time now. They have been able to foster a winning mindset driven by the senior players and management. Ireland now play with a freedom that has caught the attention of every nation around the globe, and it’s fantastic to be heading into a tournament firing on all cylinders.
However, it’s important to note that form can be unpredictable, and the true measure of a team’s capability is often revealed when the stakes are at their highest.
Ultimately, while past performance can offer insights, the 2023 Rugby World Cup is a fresh opportunity for Ireland to script a new narrative. Their journey will be filled with ups and downs, and of course they are going to need some “luck of the Irish” in keeping a fit and healthy squad which will be vital to their success.
As the tournament unfolds, rugby enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly watching to see if Ireland can rise to the occasion and etch their mark in the history books.
Bring it home, lads. Dare to dream.
