Expect Ireland To Deliver

This evening, Ireland’s second game in this year’s RWC gives the side the opportunity to respond to the criticism that descended on them after a poor showing against Namibia.

And Eddie O’Sullivan’s faith in those who played against Namibia, displayed by his reticence to make any chages – Shane Horgan aside – has laid down a very public challenge to the players themselves .

It was O’Sullivan’s stated intention before the competition began to use his frontliners in the opening game and then ring the changes for the second. However, the display that night put paid to that plan – left no wriggle room as he put it himself – and now they must shape up or….

Or what ?

The, or what, shouldn’t come into question. The Georgians have had just three days to recover from the bruising encounter with Argentina and with the possibility of a historic first RWC win (over Namibia) loooming, their focus will be on that game and not tonight’s. 

To that end they have made 11 changes and while they retain the five of the pack that played against Argentina, the effect of their efforts from a few days previous should make them easier to deal with after the opening quarter.

They can be expected to come out with all guns blazing, the hits will be big, but if Ireland keep their composure, ride out the storm, they can deliver the performance that they expect of themselves.