Head coach Andy Farrell says Ireland have learned how to become comfortable with being the world's number one side as they prepare to face New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-finals.
New Zealand have spent the most time atop the rankings, but many people consider Ireland marginal favourites for Saturday's knockout match in Paris.
Ireland have shown no signs of struggling with the number one tag over the last 15 months. They have won 17 Tests in a row, bagged a Six Nations Grand Slam and claimed a statement win over world champions South Africa earlier in this tournament. "We don't want to be second best, we want to be first best, but we also realise what comes with that is people are chasing you down," said Farrell, whose side can equal New Zealand and England's record run of 18 consecutive Test wins by a tier one nation this weekend.
"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."Ireland's dismal knockout record in the World Cup is the biggest question mark hanging over Farrell's side going into this weekend. "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," added Farrell, who has named an unchanged team for the quarter-final.
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