Stephen Ferris stresses Ireland's focus ahead of South Africa game

Stephen Ferris has insisted Ireland can recover from a poor year so far during the autumn internationals, with South Africa first up in Dublin tomorrow. Ireland lost to Australia and New Zealand in June, after defeat by Scotland in the Six Nations. With the All Blacks and Argentina also in wait this month, Ireland will have their work cut out. But the back-row believes the team are thinking no further than the 80 minutes against the Springboks in the first international match to be held at the new Aviva Stadium. "The game against South Africa is massive and it is vital we get back on the winning road after a few difficult results," he said. "But we are taking the next four matches one game at a time – we have not even spoken about the All Blacks, Samoa or Argentina." Ireland will be hoping to land their fourth consecutive win over the world champions and 25-year-old Ferris said the team is upbeat ahead of month of tough games with the past firmly behind them and determination high to get off to a good start at their new home. "Last year was a tough one. Everything was going well and then we lost three on the bounce. It is sometimes hard to pick yourself up when that happens," he said. "But that was a year ago and hopefully now we can all come together and get some positive results from these games." The fitness of Brian O'Driscoll, the captain, and the return of Luke Fitzgerald are welcome boosts as Ireland look to reclaim the form that helped them to a 12-game unbeaten run before defeat by France in February in the Six Nations. Ferris is sure Fitzgerald will perform well despite being out of international action for almost a year due to a hamstring injury. "It is tremendous to have Brian back in the team. When you walk out behind someone with his levels of experience, knowing he isn't going to let you down, it gives a lot of confidence," Ferris said. "Luke had a torrid time with injury last season so it's fantastic he is fit again. He is absolutely rapid and being quite a young guy, he has a lot of experience. He is a very confident person and it will be a good test for him against a side of South Africa's quality." Ferris is excited, too, ahead of his first match at the stadium that has replaced Lansdowne Road. "As one of the few who have not played at the Aviva yet, I'm really looking to getting out in front of what I hope will be a packed crowd and putting on a show for the fans." Stephen Ferris works with ASICS Smarter Rugby, for expert coaching videos online visit www.asics.co.uk/rugby