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Rugby Union

O'Sullivan: Underdogs key in "group of death"

13/08/2007

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has urged his players to focus on comprehensive wins in their first two Rugby World Cup matches as the best means of ensuring their escape from the pool D "group of death".

After their first two games against Namibia and Georgia, Brian O'Driscoll's men will face a step up in quality against France and Argentina.

But O'Sullivan is aware that the results against the pool's minnows could prove decisive in deciding which two teams advance to the quarter-finals of September's competition.

"We are mindful that when we play Namibia and Georgia we must win the games and get the bonus points as well," he said.

"In our group it's not beyond the realms of possibility that ourselves, France and Argentina could lose a game apiece.

"The pool could be decided on the bonus points we pick up. We don't know what way it will go. It's going to be very hard for us just to get out of the pool."

Ireland's schedule is one of the kinder ones on offer in the group with nine days separating their final two crunch games against France and Argentina and both encounters taking place close to Paris.

O'Sullivan is hopeful that, if they secure two emphatic victories early on, his squad should be at the peak of their form for those pivotal clashes.

"We want to be fresh but battle-hardened as well," he continued.

"If you don't give guys enough match time they won't have the edge they need to play at the top level.

"We have to make sure people are up and running in the early pool games, so the use of the bench will be important."

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