Head coach Andy Farrell remains upbeat about Ireland’s chances of winning the 2020 Guinness Six Nations, insisting “our destiny is still in our hands”.
Ireland kicked off this year’s Championship with a 19-12 home victory over Scotland before beating Wales 24-14 at the Aviva Stadium.
A 24-12 defeat to England at Twickenham dented their hopes while their fixtures against Italy and France have been postponed due to the Coronavirus.
But France’s defeat to Scotland last weekend has thrown the title race wide open as Ireland chase their fifth Championship crown in the past 11 years.
England and France are tied on 13 points ahead of Scotland on 10 and Ireland on nine.
But Farrell’s side have played one game less than their title rivals.
“We’re a team that is still in control of our own destiny so it’s not a bad place to be,” Farrell said.
“Everybody knows that the Six Nations is unbelievably difficult and everyone judges us on our performance.
“At the end of the day we are two wins from three and so are a couple of other teams and some teams are below that.
“Regarding the outcome of those games, our destiny is still in our hands.”
Ireland were dealt a blow last week with the news that Joey Carbery will be sidelined for the rest of the 2019/20 season after undergoing ankle surgery.
But Farrell is optimistic of lady luck will shine on the 24-year-old back when he returns to action.
“I’m gutted for Joey,” Farrell said.
“He’s been through a lot over the last few seasons, but I’ve spoken to him a couple of times and his luck will turn. It will.
“He needs to do the right thing and get himself fully fit and we’ll make sure that we help Munster to try and make that happen. He’s a great human being for one, and he’s a class player as well.”
Farrell also gave an update on back-row duo Dan Leavy and Jack Conan who are recovering from knee and foot injuries respectively.
“Dan’s doing really well as far as his recovery is concerned,” Farrell said.
“He’s meeting all the markers and (Leinster) are very excited about where he’s at.
“We hope to see them back sooner rather than later.”
