No second chances for Ireland as Andy Farrell expects side to be ‘a hell of a lot slicker’

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell expects a much-improved showing from the recent Samoa outing when his side takes on Romania in their Rugby World Cup opener.

Farrell’s men kick off their Pool B campaign on Saturday and come into the opening match after some less than convincing performances in the warm-up games.

He expects his side to be “a hell of a lot slicker” than last month’s disjointed wins over Italy, England and Samoa when they face Romania at Stade de Bordeaux.

Slicker performance

“It’s certainly not a concern because obviously (they were) three warm-ups with different personnel and everyone is at different stages in the pre-season,” he said.

“It’s all galvanised to one point and this is it: the start of the competition.

“The performance should be one that’s a hell of a lot slicker, let’s put it that way.

“Understanding what it’s all about and getting down to business is where we’re at at this stage. We’re looking forward to getting going.”

The return of captain Johnny Sexton from suspension was the main selection talking point from Farrell, who named a strong starting line-up for the pool opener.

In the recent game against Samoa, which Ireland won 17-13, Farrell thinks that off-field distractions may have played a part in their far from convincing showing.

“It’s an advantage because of the youthfulness and the quality of those players is top drawer,” Farrell said regarding the decision to play that warm-up in Biarritz.

“But they also need to understand what it is that they’re coming into.

“The reason we went there (to Biarritz) is that there’s a lot of distraction that goes on, certainly when you’re in a hotel that’s on the beach.

“Some people handled that brilliantly, some people didn’t. Learning from those experiences is pretty important because you don’t get second chances after this in World Cups.

“You have to wait four more years – if you’re lucky enough.”

View on Romania

Romania are seen as the pool outsiders in a group that includes South Africa, Scotland and Tonga, with Farrell certainly doing his homework on their threats.

“For anyone that’s watched them, it’s pretty clear and obvious that they’re a determined group,” said Farrell.

“I think by their own recollection they would say that their point of difference is their power, their aggression, their set-piece.

“They love mauling, they love the scrummaging part of the game. They’re very direct in the forwards and pretty nippy and dangerous within the backs as well.

“We’ve scouted them well but, at the same time, more of the concentration this week has been on ourselves.”

READ MORE: Ireland v Romania preview: Johnny Sexton to power dominant win in Bordeaux