Ireland have never reached a semi-final of a World Cup, but out-half Johnny Sexton feels they are primed to change that against New Zealand tomorrow.
The out-half was in a chipper mood as he tackled every question at the Tokyo Stadium ahead of what could be the biggest day of his life on a rugby pitch.
Ireland have beaten the All Blacks twice in their last three meetings, but the World Cup is a different kettle of fish.
However, Sexton says the current crop's experience of do or die games can work in their favour:
"We've been reared in knockout rugby. I came up through the school system, cup rugby, knockout rugby, going to play Mary's, playing in the All Ireland League, all those cups that you play for at club level. Then into Heineken Cup, so we probably play a little bit more than New Zealand in that they go straight to a semi-final after a Conference. So it's something that doesn't feel too different from those other knockout games I have been involved in, and we just need to use our experience there to guide us tomorrow."
At the press conference, Sexton was asked how this Ireland team ranks against previous versions:
"Right up there, right up there. That's where we get our little bit of belief and a little bit of confidence from when you look around the circle. I'm not talking about the experienced guys. For me, I look around and see, Garry Ringrose, James Ryan, Jacob Stockdale, guys that are just top quality people, players. Then you can look around at some of the more experienced guys that have been around the block. In terms of the team, right up there. I think our biggest strength is our collective and we'd pretty much do anything for each other."
Sexton was asked what options Ireland would take if points are on the cards:
"It'll be a different game tomorrow in terms of when three points are on offer, we might take them, we might not. We might try and be aggressive, but it's all really how the game is going. We've been preparing the same. We took a lot of penalties today and a lot of drop goals. If they are required tomorrow, we'll go for them."
And Sexton was also asked about the legacy of departing coach Joe Schmidt:
"Joe's legacy really speaks for itself. We don't want to get distracted by it being his last game, or second last game, or third last game. We'll talk about him when it's done and it'll be the same for Rory Best."
Kick off tomorrow is at 11.15am Irish time.
Everyone’s in the Team Of Us.
Vodafone. The Official Sponsor of the Irish Rugby Team.
