Ireland squad unfazed by 'quarter-final curse' - Andrew Porter

Ireland prop Andrew Porter insists that the squad is unfazed by their performance in the previous World Cups as they look to make history in the ongoing campaign in France.

Ireland are currently at the top of the World Rugby Rankings and also are in stellar form after winning the Six Nations Grand Slam earlier in the tournament.

Andy Farrell's men scored a record 12 tries to kick-start their World Cup campaign with a 82-8 victory over Romania as they are brimming with confidence with matches against Tonga, South Africa and Scotland left in the opening stage.

Ireland have never won a knock out game previously in a World Cup but Porter believes the current squad does not carry the baggage as they aim to go full distance in the ongoing showpiece event.

“I don’t think this squad does,” said Porter.

“We all have the belief that we can go and win. I don’t think anyone is too bothered with what’s happened in the past.

“Obviously there’s lads that have been in three World Cups and four World Cups, and it’s incredible to have their experience in the squad.

“But there’s not one player in the squad who doesn’t believe we can go and do this.

“I don’t think there is really any hang-ups about whatever you call it, ‘the curse’.”

The current groupings means Ireland are most likely to face hosts France or New Zealand in the quarter-final but Ireland performance coach Gary Keegan reckons coach Farrell has kept the squad in good stead leading to the competition.

“It takes a leader who has the confidence in himself to want to break the mould and to want to reach for the stars,” said Keegan.

“Because if he’s not convinced that it can be achieved, it’s very hard to convince everybody else that it can be achieved.

“He’s 100 per cent convinced. That doesn’t mean there’s any guarantees in terms of where you end up.”