Ireland prop Ryan Tandy has revealed his side are desperate for a second chance in the 2008 World Cup after their heart-breaking two-point loss to Tonga at Parramatta Stadium.
The Wolfhounds led with 10 minutes to go in the Pool C opener but could not close it out and conceded a late try to go down 22-20.
The Wests Tigers prop admits that while most observers felt the Irish did well to get so close, the players were disappointed not to start their campaign with a win.
'We were always confident we could stand up to the Tongans,' he said.
'We were probably the only ones who believed we could win the game but that just made it all the more disappointing for us, to come so close only to fall short.
'I guess everyone's got to put their hand up for that and take some responsibility for the loss.
'We sort of lost it for ourselves in the end there. We found ourselves in the lead but we blew it.'
Ireland can still qualify for the semi-final play-off but only if Samoa beat Tonga in tomorrow's clash at Penrith and they defeat the Samoans at Parramatta next Wednesday.
And, if given an opportunity to progress, Tandy believes the Irish will grasp it with both hands.
'We were all very frustrated after Monday's loss but I think we can use that to our advantage against Samoa on Wednesday night,' he said.
'There's a lot of talent in this team and we all know what we're capable of.
'We need Samoa to beat Tonga tomorrow night to be in control of our own destiny again and, if that happens, then we give ourselves every chance of winning the group.'
