Inside Line: Attacking courage transforms Ireland into World Cup contenders

Ireland's head coach peppered interviews with the C-word to encourage his players to play with courage. New Zealand couldn't cope with Ireland's precise and accurate phase-play. The team's focus on their phase play has been successful in the World Cup cycle.

Ireland's attack has improved under Farrell. Johnny Sexton is an integral part of the team. Ireland's recent series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand validated this approach. Ireland discombobulated defences in the first half in Wellington. They started accurately and imposed their slick attack. Hugo Keenan has developed superbly as a secondary playmaker.

Ireland targeted New Zealand's props during the series. The props completed 41 tackles and missed 12, which is 29.3% of the missed tackles. Angus Ta’avao was sent off in the second Test. The All Blacks respect Tadhg Furlong.

The screenshot also shows the location of Ireland’s next ruck and underlines Henshaw”s work off the ball.

Doris shrugs off Lualala.

Ireland scored two tries against New Zealand. Jamison Gibson-Park, Sexton, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Beirne, Henshaw, O'Mahony and Keenan scored the tries. Beauden Barrett made a late interception.

Sexton and blindside wing Mack Hansen fade behind Doris and Henshaw.

Keenan, Will Jordan and Lowe pass to the New Zealand 22.

Sexton, Aki and three forwards form a pod of three receivers to Sexton's right.

Sheehan is the point man of this pod and delivers a pull-back to Aki. Aki cuts back to set up a ruck on the 15-metre line. Ireland’s back three stay in the channel and have a three-on-two against Rieko Ioane and Jordan. Hansen is at first receiver.

Tadhg Beirne's defensive disruption was hugely influential as New Zealand responded in the second half.

Ireland scored their third try from Keenan chip. New Zealand's scrum broke up and Ireland took advantage.

Aaron Smith is unsure whether to move or not at Gibson-Park.

Sexton, Gibson-Park, Doris, James Ryan, Sheehan and Andrew Porter form a flat three-man pod. Sexton, Aki, Henshaw and Keenan comprise this pendulum.

Ireland are playing well in the Rugby World Cup. They have a tough draw in pool B. South Africa represent a formidable challenge. France or New Zealand would be their quarter-final opponents. Ireland have history of peaking too early. In 2018, they looked like world-beaters and crashed and burned.