Ireland’s Journey to World Number One in Rugby and World Cup Aspirations

Last updated on 12 October 2023

Ireland’s Rugby Head Coach, Andy Farrell, reflects on the team’s path to becoming the world’s number one side as they prepare to face New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-finals. Ireland reclaimed the top spot following a series win over the formidable All Blacks last year. New Zealand, a team that has spent the most time at the pinnacle of the rankings, now faces a daunting challenge, with many considering Ireland as marginal favorites for the upcoming knockout match in Paris.

Farrell’s perspective on this newfound status sheds light on the team’s journey: “I suppose an inferiority complex is what’s happened in the past, as far as getting to world number one and thinking that we’re going to fall off a cliff because this shouldn’t be happening to Ireland,” said the Englishman. “I think what we’ve learned to do is throw ourselves into big challenges and try to meet them head on and embrace that.”

Ireland’s performance over the last 15 months has shown no signs of struggling with the number one tag. They have achieved an impressive winning streak, with 17 victories in a row, clinching a Six Nations Grand Slam, and delivering a statement win over the reigning world champions, South Africa, earlier in this tournament. Yet, all of these accomplishments pale in comparison to the lofty aspirations that lie ahead for the Irish team. They aim to progress beyond the quarter-finals for the first time, with a quest to emulate England’s Grand Slam and World Cup double in 2003.

Farrell is quick to express his respect for New Zealand, stemming from their enduring presence at the summit of world rugby. Nevertheless, he has the opportunity to enhance his record as head coach against the All Blacks, aiming for a fourth win out of five at Stade de France on Saturday. “We don’t want to be second best; we want to be first best, but we also realize what comes with that is people are chasing you down,” said Farrell. His team has a chance to equal New Zealand and England’s record run of 18 consecutive Test wins by a tier one nation this weekend.

He acknowledges the challenges of staying at the top, drawing parallels with the All Blacks’ enduring dominance over the last two decades. “The guys that are the favorites are always the ones I’ve always looked at, throughout my career, and envied really because of how hard it is to do that. That’s the place we want to be because if you’re serious about getting better and being the team you want to be, that’s the world that you’ve got to live in.”

One major question mark looms over Ireland as they approach this weekend: their dismal knockout record in the World Cup. Despite their successes in Grand Slams and Test series against southern hemisphere giants, the Irish have lost all seven of the World Cup quarter-finals they have played. Four years ago, they were defeated by New Zealand at this stage. While Farrell acknowledges that doubt can creep in, he remains confident that his players are equipped to handle whatever challenges the All Blacks present in the French capital.

“At this stage, it’s all about preparation and recovery and making sure you’re taking ownership of the plan you’re going to try to on the opposition at the weekend,” Farrell stated. He emphasizes the importance of team unity and experience to overcome such doubts, reiterating that they are a formidable team when they play together.

Ireland’s journey to the top of the rugby world is marked by their determination, and the upcoming quarter-final match against New Zealand presents a significant opportunity for them to further solidify their status as a rugby powerhouse.