Andy Farrell, head coach
On Joe McCarthy starting in the second row:
“He deserves it with the form that he’s shown not just in the games that he’s played but also his preparation over the last 10 or 11 weeks. He’s really progressed his game and gets an opportunity to start in the first game of the World Cup.”
On the selection of the team:
“We’ve got lots of experience and a nice blend of youth within our squad. We’ve got a squad of 33 that we totally believe in. No matter what side we pick, it’s going to be one that’s threatening and a determined one at that.”
On whether it’s a team selection based on performance over the last few months or with future games in mind:
“If you can give people game-time who have not had game-time it would help, but at the same time our mindset at this stage is full steam ahead, whatever side we put out is going to be strong and we expect a fantastic performance on the weekend to kick us off in the right manner.”
On how the team are handling the emotions of a Rugby World Cup:
“When you get to these type of tournaments and the euphoria that’s around it, if you’re a young, inexperienced type of player you can get lost in the carnival atmosphere. But we’ve got experience in abundance within our group that keeps the mind focused. From what I’ve experienced as a player or as an assistant coach, the ones that do well understand that it’s just a bit of rugby. When it comes to preparation and executing under pressure at the weekend, experience allows us to make sure that we understand how to go about our business.”
Johnny Sexton, captain
On his return after a six-month injury lay-off:
“I’m delighted to be back, playing for Ireland is always special, and extra special when it comes to a World Cup, so I’m very happy to be back in the team and really looking forward to it.”
“Getting back fit from the injury was the first challenge and then being able to reintegrate back into the team, getting back up to speed when you’re a little bit behind. You’ve got to work hard to stay fit and to improve your fitness, so that’s what I’ve tried to do over the last couple of months. We’ve trained hard and hopefully it will pay off on Saturday.”
On his personal expectations:
“Hopefully I can go out and play well and have a good performance. I expect that of myself and there’s no excuses in that regard. I’ve been focused on this game for the last couple of months and looking forward to it now, to finally get back on the pitch.”
On playing in Bordeaux and Rugby World Cup nerves:
“The excitement of getting into an amazing venue and stadium, I’m sure the Irish will travel like they always do. It’s a very different atmosphere to what you normally get at matches, it’s very much like a soccer World Cup atmosphere, so we’re looking forward to that. But also with that comes a bit of nerves. We’ve built this moment (up) for the last four years so when it’s finally here the nerves do come in, but we’ll embrace them and go out and try to play our best.”
On Ireland never making it past the quarter-finals at a Rugby World Cup:
“I know we always get tarnished with (the fact that) we haven’t got past the quarter-finals, but we have some amazing memories from World Cups, we’ve been very successful in our pools over the years, come away with some big victories, so a lot of good memories from World Cups. Obviously a few of them have ended badly but we’re very much looking forward to it and we’re not carrying any of that baggage.”
On how far ahead Ireland are looking in the tournament:
“We haven’t looked past this game to be honest. We do know what’s ahead, the group we’re in is incredibly tough, so it’s all about getting out of our pool for the moment. We’ll worry about the quarter-finals if we get there.”
On the heat expected for Saturday’s match:
“It’s something that we did prepare for, it is a bit unusual in September. I lived here a few years ago and I can’t remember September being this hot, so it’s a bit strange but we’ll adapt and it will be the same for both teams.”
“He’s an amazing and loved guy in the squad, great to be around, and an incredible player who fully deserves this chance. He’s definitely excited and we’re all excited to get a crack to play with him.”
“It’s a privilege to be named in the first team to get a shot at the World Cup. I’m just going to go out there and put my best foot forward, do what I do well and hopefully I can contribute to the team if I’m doing that. If I nail my role and everyone else does theirs, we can put in a strong performance.
“I always believed I was good enough to be here, since the last World Cup I’ve been heavily involved in the squad and have really enjoyed my time under the leadership of the coaches. It’s been a great four years and I’m raring to go now.”
On Ireland’s lineout in recent months:
“Percentage-wise, the standard hasn’t been where we want it to be in the lineout. But part of that is pre-season, we’re trying different things, different combinations each week, we’re trying new moves. If you go back and look at it, it’s very fine margins to go from 100 per cent to 80 per cent or whatever it is. We have a great group of guys, lineout leaders who come up with the calls, and the strategy is really good. There’s so many factors that contribute to a well-worked lineout, so if everyone nails their role, we’ll back ourselves to go well this weekend.”
On the general feeling in the squad:
“Anytime you play for Ireland is a massive moment. Over the past four years I’ve been around, had a few games, so I know what it’s about now. There’s obviously a bit more hype around the World Cup and a bit more pressure on games, but that’s what we’ve been working towards as a team, with our mindset coach, and personally I feel like I’m in a good place. The squad as well we’ve been gelling really well and we feel very confident coming into this competition based on our past performances and our abilities.”
On playing under Johnny Sexton’s leadership as captain:
“Johnny is one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever played under. He’s unbelievably driven, he drives the standards in training, off the pitch, everything. He’s got an incredible winning mindset and he’s the kind of guy you want to follow into battle because you know he’s going to be giving it his all. It’s been great having him back.”
Terror Master
Abbas Ali Baig was the first Indian cricketer to be kissed during a Test match – When Abbas Ali Baig reached a half-century in the third Test match against Australia at the Brabourne Stadium in 1960, a pretty young girl ran all the way from the North Stand to greet the batsman. She kissed Baig on his cheek.
Cougar Fuzz
The cricket bat has been a source of controversy in cricket. In 1771, one player attempted to breach the rules. Thomas White, an English cricketer, took his turn with a bat that was as wide as the wickets in the field. This ensured better defense and gave Thomas an unfair advantage. A protest by the opposing team ensued which later led to a change in cricket laws in 1774, setting the bat width to no more than 4.25 inches.