Back row Josh van der Flier says Ireland “have to get the misery out of the way” early in the build-up to Ireland’s final Six Nations game with Italy.
Ireland have a slim shot at winning an unprecedented third Six Nations title in a row despite Saturday’s heavy defeat by France.
France are in pole position to win the championship, but England and Ireland are still in contention if Les Bleus slip up against Scotland.
“It is difficult,” said Leinster back row Van der Flier as he analysed where Saturday’s defeat went wrong for Ireland.
“I think one of the things I find that’s really important is you have to get all the misery out of the way on Monday or Tuesday, so it’s not hanging over you for the rest of the week.
“Those things are hanging in the back of your mind and you can’t let them drag into next week.”
After the disappointment in Dublin against France, Van der Flier says Ireland have to “put in a performance to be proud of” against Italy.
“That will be the focus I think. We have to put in a performance to be proud of,” said the 31-year-old.
“Obviously for the team, the pride of playing for the country, but also the opportunity of potentially winning the championship
“It’s probably out of our hands, but we’ll definitely be focusing on that.”
Ireland are third in the table heading into the final round of fixtures. Simon Easterby’s side are two points behind leaders France and a point behind England.
The game in Rome is the first of three fixtures on Saturday, before Wales host England and France take on Scotland in Paris.
Van der Flier says being the first match is an advantage as it allows Ireland to put pressure on England and France if they can secure a bonus-point victory in Rome.
“We’ll try and ignore the other games as best you can but if we’re the later game you normally watch the game earlier on.
“For sure it’s nice to be able to get out early and put out a score to beat.”
