Tyrone Howe finally arrived in Melbourne today after answering the call from Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan to replace the injured Denis Hickie.
Despite the long trip, O'Sullivan wasted little time in getting the Ulster winger into action and he was soon taking part in brisk morning training.
Howe arrived in Melbourne match fit because he has played in Ulster's last five Celtic League encounters. This was part of O'Sullivan's philosophy, keeping a shadow squad active at home instead of having players wait impatiently on standby in Australia, as other teams have done.
Howe said he was delighted when he got the call, "though not in the circumstances of an injury to another player", he said referring to Hickie's misfortune.
Victor Costello's return to full training today was another boost for O'Sullivan. A thigh injury kept him out of Ireland's final pool game against Australia last Sunday.
O'Sullivan will name his starting XV to take on France in Sunday's quarter-final tomorrow. France have already named the same full strength side who thrashed Scotland 51-9 last week.