Key players are returning from injury, the entire squad trained today and all of a sudden things are looking rosy in the Irish camp.
After being blessed with clean bills of health for the majority of the squad, Ireland go into their crunch Pool D clash with France with confidence nearing an all-time high.
The match will decide Ireland's route to the final and furthermore will give us a chance to rotate the squad if we were to get the so-called "softer draw" against Argentina.
On tonight's Wednesday Night Rugby, Keith Wood and Gerry Thornley gave their thoughts on the game, with Wood firmly believing that the French still prove one of the biggest opponents in the competition.
"I think we have to take into account that their view of their team and the confidence they'll have going into the game will be stratospheric" he said.
"Looking at their team and their backing, I think they really, really believe. It's a great starting point, but mind you , you have to back it up. And from an Irish point of view, we have to try and knock it."
Neither seemed impressed with last weekend's performance, no less Wood who said there needs to be massive imporvements if we are to take on the French.
"I thought we were poor at the weekend. I wouldn't say that our focus was off, but our intensity was. This is probably down to the fact that they had one eye on this match.
When it came down to the selection, both expect that Keith Earls would play a part being "Ireland's best finisher" at this moment in time and if it came down to it Thornley would opt for an Irish victory.
"If your life came down to it which way would you call it? I sincerely hope my life doesn't come down to a rugby match, but if I had to choose it would be Ireland because I think they'll be well-prepared for this challenge.
"They have a small edge in the coaching box and I think that will manifest itself in the preparations all week long."
To hear tonight's full Wednesday Night Rugby, you can click the podcast below.
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