Eddie O'Sullivan's Ireland failed to make the quarter-finals

"For Ireland, the World Cup was hugely disappointing," he said. "We failed to produce anything that vaguely resembled our form during the season.

"It has been a tough time trawling through everything that happened.

"That process has nearly come to an end and the Barbarians offers me an opportunity to get back on the horse."

606: DEBATE Give your views on the Barbarians v South Africa match

O'Sullivan is preparing the Barbarians for Saturday's clash with world champions South Africa at Twickenham and is relishing the challenge.

"Coaching the Barbarians is a unique honour and it gives me the opportunity to work with some hugely talented people," said the Ireland coach.

"It's very different to coaching Six Nations or international level.

"You just have to act as a conduit between these players - a kind of facilitator. In many way with the Barbarians less is more."

We certainly have something to prove in the Six Nations Eddie O'Sullivan

Meanwhile, the Irish RFU is still waiting for the results of an independent review of Ireland's World Cup flop.

O'Sullivan's team, who entered the World Cup with semi-final aspirations, crashed out at the group stage - nine points adrift of Pool D leaders Argentina.

O'Sullivan acknowledges that Ireland will be looking to redeem themselves with a strong RBS 6 Nations.

"I don't see there being a huge number of changes in the personnel," he said. "We certainly have something to prove in the Six Nations."