Joe Schmidt gives latest update on Conor Murray

“Yes, we can win the World Cup, we firmly believe we can with this squad of players”.

As for the Irish, they go into the World Cup on the back of two straight defeats – including at home to Wales last week – but seemed to be leaving something in reserve. For me, I don’t think there’s any value in me or us getting distracted by that.

Having won 35-21 in Cardiff prior to that match, it was a setback for Ireland coach Joe Schmidt and his players.

May admits it will be a thorough examination once again but he insists Stuart Lancaster’s men are ready to meet the inevitable challenge. “I think we are better than that and that probably reflects the nature of some of the fixtures we’ve had”, Wood said.

While Lancaster’s 31-man squad has been criticised as inexperienced – only three members have more than 50 England caps and seven have 10 or less worldwide appearances – Johnson defended the selection and tipped fly-half George Ford to play a starring role for his country.

“It’s hard because if a kick is on the money and they are going up in the air to tap it back, it’s literally a 50-50. The All Blacks are very good at manufacturing that fire, the us-against-them mentality”. They will also be offered a signed rugby ball, rugby pointers in the garden and a personal tour of the house from Moody.

Scrum-half Edoardo Gori is back from suspension while experienced centre Andrea Masi comes in to a near full-strength Italian side that includes new flanker Simone Favaro of Celtic League champions Glasgow.

May used sheer strength, power and determination to crash his way over for the opening try within three minutes of the start.

And early success in the area will also allow the opportunity to counter-attack.

Burgess’ first real interventions were not great – an off-load that went marginally forward to Farrell and a knock-on when he charged onto a crash ball.

“Mr Roland gave a decision against us… he thought it was the right thing to do”.

“We recognise those when we lose and we recognise those when we haven’t done them when we win as well”.

More and more players are putting their hands up and showing that they can perform. He got in touch after he made his comments.

A win at Twickenham against the number two-ranked team in the world will undoubtedly see both confidence and expectation soar.

“And after that, with a bit of momentum and some luck, you never know how far it can take you”.

Simply put, Johnny Sexton holds the key to Irish aspirations at this year’s Rugby World Cup.

“As long as you have that focus, that ability and that mental aptitude, no matter what sport you play, you’re going to make it”. “We just need to bring everything together”.

“I can’t stress enough, this is the start of our World Cup“.