Eddie O'Sullivan's top players were rested in June whilst a squad of hopefuls were taken on a gruelling tour of Argentina, where they lost both Tests against the Pumas. The players have all since been to Spala in Poland for a training camp, and are now gathered in Limerick preparing for their warm-up games with Scotland and Italy.

Despite facing the grim prospect of the World Cup 'Group of Death', Ireland may represent the Northern Hemisphere's greatest chance of success in France. The hosts themselves are contenders, but are frustratingly inconsistent, whilst everyone knows how far England have fallen since 2003. Ireland, on the other hand, have consistently been the strongest side in the Six Nations, and have claimed impressive victories over South Africa and Australia.

The Irish have won three Triple Crowns in the last four years, and came agonisingly close to a Grand Slam in this year's competition. Indeed, their last-gasp defeat by France typifies their one weakness - an inability to sustain their performance for 80 minutes.

'Ireland's seemingly unlucky draw in the same pool as Argentina and France may work in their favour'


At the heart of Ireland's team is arguably the best centre partnership in the world, Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll. The pair have played with or against each other since their schooldays, and complement each other perfectly. Moreover, defences often commit two players to tackling the elusive O'Driscoll, creating additional space for D'Arcy's light feet and turn of speed.

There is strength all around them in the Irish backline. Inside, the experienced half-back partnership of Peter Stringer and Ronan O'Gara have learned how to control matches, whilst outside there are fliers like Denis Hickie and Geordan Murphy with superb finishing abilities.

To compete with France and Argentina, not to mention South Africa and New Zealand, Ireland's pack will have to be at its best. Paul O'Connell, the talismanic lock, must lead the forwards with his exemplary work rate, whilst quality players like Simon Easterby, Denis Leamy and David Wallace must follow.