It's taken a while, but the knock-outs are finally upon us as Ireland travelled to Tokyo from Fukuoka to prepare for the game of their lives against New Zealand on Saturday.

Before they left, Cian Tracey got the thoughts of Johnny Sexton who is not happy at the level of criticism the team has received for their performances at this World Cup and the out-half is in confident form going into the big one.

Ruaidhri O'Connor got a red-eye to see what Steve Hansen had to say for himself and it turned out to be a lot as he laid down an early marker and got the mind-games up and running.

Having watched the Japan game in a bar packed with travelling fans, the lads are feeling the World Cup buzz as an exciting weekend of knockout rugby approaches.

It's taken a while, but the knock-outs are finally upon us as Ireland travelled to Tokyo from Fukuoka to prepare for the game of their lives against New Zealand on Saturday. Before they left, Cian Tracey got the thoughts of Johnny Sexton who is not happy at the level of criticism the team has received for their performances at this World Cup and the out-half is in confident form going into the big one. Ruaidhri O'Connor got a red-eye to see what Steve Hansen had to say for himself and it turned out to be a lot as he laid down an early marker and got the mind-games up and running. Having watched the Japan game in a bar packed with travelling fans, the lads are feeling the World Cup buzz as an exciting weekend of knockout rugby approaches.

The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered.

From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.

The Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald has the best r…

The Left Wing

It's taken a while, but the knock-outs are finall…