We've got a bit of work to do': Nations Championship a test for Ireland's World Cup ambitions

Ireland assistant coach Johnny Sexton says the Nations Championship is both a chance to build momentum and a “test” for the team’s World Cup ambitions. He points to lessons from last summer’s “up and down” campaign, when Ireland didn’t meet the standard they wanted despite a strong Lions-year representation. The Nations Championship resumes next week, with Ireland starting the northern series against Argentina at Aviva Stadium on November 6. They then host Fiji and South Africa, with their final ranking deciding which playoff they’ll contest at the finals weekend in Twickenham, November 27–29. Sexton also highlighted aerobic fitness and preseason fitness testing.