Andy Farrell will name his squad for the opening game of the Rugby
World Cup with Romania this afternoon. The
Ireland boss will name his squad at around 12.30pm. Johnny Sexton is eligible for selection after his ban has ended. The Ireland skipper had been suspended for a number of games after being involved in a fracas during Leinster's Champions Cup final defeat to La Rochelle back in May. Cian Healy will also miss out on the game after suffering a calf injury in Ireland's warm-up game with Samoa in Bayonne a couple of weeks ago. Sexton is expected to start and Farrell is likely desperate to get his captain back out on the field before the business end of the tournament. Ireland also have issues at hooker and Paul O'Connell has confirmed that Dan Sheehan will miss out on this game. Ronan Kelleher has had injury issues of his own, however, the front-rower has told the media that he is fully fit and raring to go. We will have live updates and reaction as Farrell picks the team. Key Events Andy Farrell speaks about selection 12:44 Ireland team named 12:32 Romania name their side for Ireland clash 12:02 12:55 Oisin Doherty Johnny Sexton 'delighted to be back' playing for Ireland after suspension Share 12:53 Oisin Doherty Andy Farrell insists it's 'full steam ahead' as Ireland kick-off their World Cup against Romania on Saturday Share 12:44 KEY EVENT Andy Farrell speaks about selection Farrell: “There’s no mix and match really now, we’ve got a squad of 33 that we totally believe in. Whatever team we put out will be a good side, no matter what it will be a team that’s threatening and a determined one at that.” Share 12:41 Oisin Doherty Here's how the World Number one's line-up Share 12:38 Oisin Doherty Rugby World Cup odds Betfair: Rugby World Cup winner 2023 France: 11/4 New Zealand: 3/1 South Africa: 7/2 Ireland: 9/2 Australia: 10/1 England: 12/1 Argentina: 20/1 Wales: 30/1 Scotland: 35/1 Fiji: 80/1 Japan: 200/1 Tonga: 400/1 Samoa: 425/1
Italy, Georgia, Namibia, Romania, Uruguay, Chile, Portugal: 500/1 Share 12:32 KEY EVENT Ireland team named Share 12:21 Oisin Doherty A long weekend in store for journalists in
France Share 12:19 Oisin Doherty Paul O'Connell confirms Ireland trio are out of Rugby World Cup 2023 opening fixture against Romania “But by and large we’re close to a full bill of health. “Dan and Jack Conan (will not be involved). David Kilcoyne as well is struggling a little bit but should be OK next week.” Share 12:18 Oisin Doherty Caelan Doris: 'Back to basics will improve Ireland - and me' "Everywhere," Doris replied when asked where he can improve. "It's a bit of a boring answer but even as a team we've been discussing areas where we can grow. "A lot of that is looking for evolution in your game, obviously, adding layers, but so much of it is going back over the basics. "Paul O'Connell has been throwing a quote at us for a while now, I think it's from a crossfit guy, something like, 'when you master the basics you go over them and look at them even more closely'. "So a lot of that for me is being more consistent." Share 12:13 Oisin Doherty Alan Quinlan - Foolish to predict Ireland will win the World Cup Speaking to BoyleSports about Rugby World Cup odds , Quinlan said: "I would be really excited for this group of Ireland players. I am optimistic they can get to a semi-final. There will be bumps and bruises. You need a bit of luck especially round injuries, not least to Johnny Sexton. "If Ireland are fit and healthy after
South Africa and
Scotland I would be confident no matter who they are playing they would have a really good chance in a quarter final. "But I would be a fool to say Ireland are going to win the World Cup. "It’s between France and South Africa, with Ireland and
New Zealand just behind them and it is a bit of a lottery after that.
Argentina could rattle a few cages on that side of the draw. "I think South Africa will win. I hope it’s Ireland but at the moment South Africa have so much strength in depth across the board." Share 12:02 KEY EVENT Romania name their side for Ireland clash Share 11:59 Oisin Doherty 'It's just weird' - Devin Toner on Jean Kleyn's World Cup journey from Ireland to South Africa "Ah, I had a little smile," said the Meathman. "It's good to see him playing but it's just weird. "I know the rule was brought in for the smaller teams but it's just weird seeing him playing for Ireland at a World Cup four years ago and now he's going to do it for South Africa. "They're the rules now, though." You can read more from Devin Toner here. Share 11:43 Oisin Doherty The squad were put through their paces in the gym on Wednesday Share 11:27 Oisin Doherty Canterbury to remain Ireland rugby shirt manufacturers Share 11:16 Oisin Doherty Good afternoon - Hugo Keenan wants Ireland to start fast in Bordeaux this weekend "Yeah, I definitely think we haven't shown our best so far over the summer," said the safe as houses full-back. "There's been some good bits, but then a lot of work-ons. We're excited for this weekend and ready to show an improvement on what's gone before. "We want to put in a performance we know we have in ourselves. If we can lay down a statement doing that, that would be great." "I suppose you have to gain a bit of confidence from what we've built on in the past by beating the top teams around, and let that build your confidence and belief going into it. "But you can't take anything for granted. A lot of teams will have improved in this big block they've had together so we've got to take it up a notch ourselves. "There is a bit of excitement around the group, there's about 18 of us who are here for the first time involved. "There is a good buzz, but we can't get side tracked by the show that's going on and the big crowds. We've to focus on the
Job at hand and Romania in the first game. Share