Andrew Porter says Ireland squad ‘all have the belief’ to win World Cup

Prop Andrew Porter insists every member of Andy Farrell’s 33-man squad believes Ireland can win the World Cup.

Rugby’s top-ranked nation are among the favourites for glory in France but have never won a knockout match at the tournament following a string of disappointing last-eight exits.

The Six Nations champions launched their campaign by dispatching Pool B minnows Romania 82-8 and on Saturday face Tonga in Nantes before pivotal Paris showdowns with title holders South Africa and Scotland.

Porter believes Ireland’s current crop of players have no qualms about previous failures or the quarter-final “curse”.

“I don’t think this squad does,” said the 27-year-old, who was part of the team eliminated 46-14 by New Zealand at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

“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’.”

Ireland face a major challenge to snap their unwanted World Cup record as they are likely to face a quarter-final clash with formidable hosts France or the All Blacks.

Farrell’s men must first secure progression from arguably the competition’s toughest group.

Ireland performance coach Gary Keegan, who works with players and management on mental preparation, believes head coach Farrell is “100 per cent convinced” of breaking new ground.

“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.