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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Ireland's bottle will be tested this week after shock loss to Japan says Luke McGrath

Luke McGrath claims that Ireland's bottle will be tested this week as they try to find their way again in this World Cup.

The Leinster scrum-half came off the bench in Shizuoka and ended up on the left wing as Ireland desperately - and unsuccessfully - chased a result against Japan.

Now nothing less will suffice than bonus point wins over Russia and Samoa, with the clash with Russia almost upon Joe Schmidt's players already.

“Yeah, a massive game for us, and look we hadn’t really looked too far ahead of this game, but obviously we’ve been watching them," said McGrath, who may start ahead of Conor Murray, given the Munster man has started the first two pool games.

"I’ve been hugely impressed with the level of performance they’ve put in and their level of commitment.

“They’re a physical team and after Saturday night it’s even more important. It’s going to be another huge game and it’s going to test the group to see how fast we can turn this around and pick ourselves up.”

"This obviously hurts and there’s no harm in wearing it and expressing those feelings of disappointment now for the next 12 hours or whatever it is.

"With a five day turnaround, it’s just important that everyone takes that responsibility to bring a lot of energy, bring the focus and determination that it’s going to take to build ourselves back up for a huge game in five days’ time and like you say try and lift the mood, and I think that’s got to be everyone’s responsibility".

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