Brian O’Driscoll: Press Conference Quotes
At this week’s team announcement press conference, Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll discussed the team’s performance against Namibia and the return to the side of Shane Horgan for Saturday’s clash with Georgia.
ON IRELAND’S PERFORMANCE AGAINST NAMIBIA:
“I was really excited to be playing in the World Cup and we were straining at the leash after having to wait until the last game of the opening weekend but it wasn’t what we anticipated.
“It was a really awful display in which we started badly and got worse – there can be no excuses and everyone was feeling flat afterwards but we must lift ourselves and go forward.
“I guess time is running out a little in terms of this tournament and I suppose the drop off in our performances from the Six Nations has to be a concern at this stage but it’s important we don’t lose our heads. We know what we’re capable of and it’s up to us to produce it.
“I wouldn’t want to disrespected Namibia but we’d have expected the result to be very different. I think they really grew into the game and fed off our mistakes. They deserve credit for that and we got what we deserved.”
ON THE RETURN OF SHANE HORGAN TO THE SIDE:
“It’s a massive, massive boost to have Shane back for the Georgia game. I can’t speak highly enough of him – the way he trains, the way he’s handled his injury, his hunger and the leadership qualities he brings to this team.
“I always look forward to being in the same side as Shane. He’ll bring something to this World Cup for sure.”
ON THE GEORGIA GAME:
“Patience will be key (on Saturday). We’re a good side and we just have to show that. We just have to put things right. If we bring teams through phases, our game will evolve and we’ll be much more difficult to break down and to defend against.
“We want to make sure this one (World Cup) doesn’t pass us by and we have the regrets that others have had in previous competitions. We just have to get things right and we’ve got to get them right very quickly. That can happen in one game, that’s how this side can react – by playing well this weekend.
“We’re certainly not thinking beyond the weekend. There’s total focus and analysis on Georgia this week. Hopefully when we put this game to bed, we can look ahead with confidence to the French game. We’ll have the same professional outlook (for the game) as we always have.”