The Morning Sports Briefing

New Zealand made to work against Namibia

In any sport it is rare for a 44-point defeat to seem like a victory, however Namibia’s 58-14 loss to New Zealand on Thursday night will feel like just that for the lowest ranked side at the Rugby World Cup.

The All Blacks found themselves frustrated for large swathes of the game at the Olympic Stadium, with the ferociousness and fearlessness of the minnow's tackling making it difficult for the defending world champions to gain any real fluency in attack, and Jaques Burger's side left Stratford with heads held high having produced their finest ever World Cup performance.

Ireland side for Romania announced today

Today Joe Schmidt announces his Ireland side for Sunday's second Pool D game against Romania and it is expected he will shuffle the pack, meaning every member of his 31-man squad will have seen competitive action by the end of the Wembley fixture.

Among those coming into the fold is Cian Healy, who is set to make his first start for Ireland since the Six Nations clinching win over Scotland at Murrayfield in March.

Sunday's game will be Ireland's first venture into London of the tournament after playing their opener in Cardiff before heading to Burton-on-Trent, and Gerry Thornley praises the Welsh capital in his World Cup letter.

In his column Liam Toland writes Ireland can exploit Romania’s narrow defence and exploit large spaces outside, although Joe Schmidt’s side need to be wary of their opponents powerful pack.

Pressure on Lancaster after controversial selection

On Saturday all eyes will be on Twickenham as tournament hosts England take on Wales, and coach Stuart Lancaster's reputation is on the line after his controversial decision to drop George Ford for Andy Farrell.

Despite his injury woes Wales boss Warren Gatland has been in good spirits ahead of a potentially tournament defining game, and prop Tomas Francis is relishing picking up just his fourth international cap in the Twickenham bearpit.

McMahon awaits disciplinary fate

Elsewhere Dublin corner back Philly McMahon will find out this weekend if he is to face any charges after being accused of eye gouging Kerry skipper Kieran Donaghy during his side's All-Ireland final win.

Dublin's were involved in another disciplinary saga after Diarmuid Connolly was cleared by the DRA to play the semi-final replay against Mayo. Sean Moran gives a step-by-step guide of how Connolly's suspension was removed.

Rory starts well in Atlanta

Meanwhile four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy got off to a strong start in the Tour Championship in Atlanta yesterday, with an opening round 66 leaving him four under par and three shots off the lead of Henrik Stenson.

Stenson had threatened to post a sensational score when he reached the turn in just 29 but a bogey on 17 meant the Swede had to settle for an impressive 63.

Wexford Youths to stay amateur regardless

Wexford Youths could secure promotion to the League of Ireland top flight tonight but club chairman Shane Keegan has reiterated the club will remain amateur even if they join the Premier Division.

What to watch out for:

Rugby

Argentina face Georgia at Kingsholm in Pool C of the Rugby World Cup. (TV3, ITV 4, 4.45pm ko)

Golf

Graeme McDowell heads into the second round of the European Open on three under par, with Benjamin Hebert currently leading on eight under. (SS4 10am-12pm, 2pm-5pm)

Rory McIlroy is three shots off the lead of Henrik Stenson heading into the second round of the Tour Championship in Atlanta. (SS4 6pm-11pm)

Football

There are three League of Ireland fixtures tonight, with Derry City travelling to Cork, Bohemians travelling to play Drogheda and Shamrock Rovers welcoming Galway.