Under-21 World Cup France v Ireland: There was a confident air around the Ireland camp in Clermont Ferrand yesterday as the squad completed preparations for this evening's opening World Cup game against France in Issoire.
Four defeats - two by a single point, it has to be said - left coach Mark McDermott's team languishing at the wrong end of the Six Nations' ladder when England carried off the Grand Slam with a consummate victory over Ireland in March.
However, as the under-19s proved in Dubai when they overcame the odds to beat Wales in the World Cup fifth place play-off six weeks ago, past results count for little.
"As with all tournaments, the opening game will be vitally important," McDermott said. "France have the advantage of being at home and with a home crowd behind them. However, we believe we have prepared well and the guys are looking forward to getting things under way.
"We were disappointed with some of our results in the Six Nations this year, so this competition, as tough as it may be, provides us with an opportunity to put in a string of improved performances.
"The French have a strong all-round side and will pose different problems to Argentina and Georgia. Those games will be a real test for our forwards."
McDermott has added three new members to his squad - David Pollock from Queen's University, David Ryan of Highfield and Blackrock College threequarter Diarmuid Laffan.
A successful training camp in Portumna preceded this week's final preparations, in temperatures up to 24 degrees. Fortunately, this evening's kick-off (7pm local time, 6pm Irish) comes after the temperatures drop while Tuesday's game in Cournon kicks-off at 5pm local time and Saturday's, against Georgia in Issoire, at 4pm local time.
The IRB last night confirmed ticket sales and television interest have been significant. The game against the French will be televised live by the host broadcaster Eurosport. On top of that, the International Rugby Board have confirmed 60 per cent of tickets for all matches have already been sold.
IRELAND: F Carr (Blackrock College); P Durcan (Galwegians), T Gleeson (Cork Constitution), C Doyle (Garryowen), M Williams (Bristol); K Hallett (Bedford Blues), P Marshall (Ballynahinch); D Hurley (UCC), S Philpott (Belfast Harlequins, capt), D Ryan (Highfield), D McGowan (Buccaneers), D Toner (Lansdowne), R Noonan (UCC), D Pollock (Queen's), S O'Brien (UCD). Replacements: S Cronin (Shannon), P Doran Jones (Dublin University), D Tuohy (Hartpury/Gloucester), D Laffan (Blackrock College), D Williams (UCC), D Cave (Belfast Harlequins), Ian Hanly (UL Bohemians)
