BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | International | Humphreys happy as Irish qualify

Record-breaking outside-half David Humphreys believes Ireland are making good progress, despite their unspectacular start to the season.

Humphreys equalled fellow Ulsterman Jack Kyle as Ireland's most-capped fly-half against Georgia on Saturday.

The 63-14 victory at Lansdowne Road followed an unspectacular 35-3 win in against Russia last weekend.

But both victories failed to convince their supporters that there is much to look forward to this season.

It was a huge honour for me to get to 46 caps but the most important thing was to win and we have now qualified for the World Cup

Ireland fly-half David Humphreys

The Irish are certainly under pressure to make big improvements in time for the autumn internationals against Australia, Fiji and Argentina in November.

And Humphreys believes the slow start is down to two things - the long trip to play Russia and the unusually early series of internationals Ireland have had to play.

"It was the hardest place to travel to in the world," said Humphreys.

Ireland beat Georgia at Lansdowne Road to secure their place in the finals of the 2003 World Cup
Girvan Dempsey in action against Georgia
"But we have had two good results, two good wins and at the end of it all, that is the most important thing.

"I do not think it matters whatever team you play for, whether it is a club, provincial or international side.

"It does take a few games for a team to get going and we have seen that over the last few weeks.

"But it has to be said again, we are moving in the right direction.

"So we are glad that part is behind us and we will look forward to the next stage of the season."


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