Former Ireland player Brian O'Driscoll believes that Munster's triumph in the United Rugby Championship this year will provide the Ireland team with a significant advantage for the upcoming World Cup in France.
In May, Munster ended their long-awaited pursuit of silverware by defeating the DHL Stormers in South Africa, thus putting an end to a 12-year trophy drought for the Irish province.
Several players who were instrumental in this victory have now joined the Ireland camp and are listed in Ireland's squad to face Italy on Saturday.
O'Driscoll, who possesses a wealth of knowledge on what a 'posistive' momentum can do for a team, has asserted that Munster's win will bestow a tremendous boost upon Ireland ahead of the World Cup.
"This victory is of great importance for our national team going into the World Cup," O'Driscoll stated in an interview with Off The Ball
"The deflation following Leinster's defeat to formidable French opposition, the presence of South Africa in our pool, and Munster's success against a number of those international players while playing in South Africa, all of this is a significant positive factor.
"With this victory, a sense of positivity permeates into the Ireland camp, complementing the high-quality performance we have witnessed from Leinster.
🗣️ 'Having South Africa in our pool, and Munster going down to South Africa... and sticking it to them!'
Brian O'Driscoll explains why Munster's victory down in South Africa was important for Ireland ahead of #RWC2023 | ☘️@VodafoneIreland | #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/bM2bq0x3Z6— Off The Ball (@offtheball) June 1, 2023
The former Ireland captain also believes that the win improves Ireland's mental strength going into the tournament. The victory over the stormers has increased the ability to beat the big sides in rugby
"Moreover, we now have a different coaching staff to bolster the team further. I firmly believe that this triumph was vital for enhancing our mental fortitude moving forward, preventing any sense of self-pity among the players," said O'Driscoll.
"We possess a team that can excel against all odds, even away from home. Just when doubts might arise about their performance against certain sides, they have demonstrated their ability to outshine the Stormers."
Ireland's game against Italy starts 8pm on Saturday.
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