Murray Kinsella reports from London
It’s going to be quite the occasion.
With World Rugby expecting the crowd at Wembley later today to come close to or even surpass the World Cup record of 89,019 that amassed when New Zealand and Argentina clashed at the London venue last weekend, it should be deafening.
The global tournament brings a different Irish support, one that features the Six Nations regulars and club folk from across the island, but also the passionate expats. Some might not know their croc rolls from their unders lines, but they bring huge colour and volume.
This could have been a forgettable pool clash against the the 17th best team in the world, Romania (KO 4.45pm). It feels like something greater for Ireland.
Not simply because the atmosphere will probably surpass last weekend’s in Cardiff, but because there are several points of deep interest on the pitch.
For the likes of Darren Cave, Paddy Jackson Simon Zebo, Donnacha Ryan, Jordi Murphy, Chris Henry, Devin Toner and Tommy Bowe, it might well be a final chance to convince Joe Schmidt. Failure to do so could mean bit-part roles for the remainder of the tournament, success may bring another chance against Italy.
Ireland reported that all of their players came through yesterday’s captain’s run in the home of English football unscathed, and it was also encouraging to see Robbie Henshaw take a full part.
The Connacht centre warmed up his hamstring with a series of exercises using thera bands, then ran at full speed as he formed part of a 16-man team in opposition to Jamie Heaslip’s XV. All 31 players on their feet and involved, Schmidt couldn’t be happier.
The rest of the squad were in high spirits in their pink t-shirts, Cian Healy striding out into the impressive bowl that is Wembley shaking his head in awe and smiling to himself, “Yes, yes, yes.” His first start since March, expect bullbar-like fends and a rabid breakdown contribution.
Simon Zebo, meanwhile, was slotting drop goals and making a mug of Dave Kearney with a nutmeg, excited to be back in the team at fullback and sure to be among the try scorers later today.
Schmidt arrived onto the pitch and the mood switched in an instant. Time to go to work. The media were firmly reminded over the stadium tannoy to move along as Ireland’s session properly started, the message drawing a round of applause from the players.
Any lingering eyes were swiftly warned to move along, Schmidt ever protective of his plans. In stark contrast, Romania’s run out at Wembley was something of a free-for-all. Oddly, Lyn Howells led his men through what was more of a training session than a team run.
The Welshman is evidently not too worried about fatigue four days after playing France. Eight changes to his team will ease that issue, while bringing in Mike Wiringi and Valentin Calafeteanu in the halfbacks may remedy the serious kicking problems the Oaks had against France.
Far too long, far too loose, Romania’s kicking provided les Blues with easy access points into the game. Zebo, Bowe and Keith Earls would pounce on similar opportunities with some glee.
Romania will set their stall out with an aggressive challenge at the breakdown and set-piece, competing in the air on Ireland’s throw with two jumping pods. At scrum time, you can bet Ireland will be reminding Craig Joubert to keep the Romanians driving straight. Cătălin Fercu will be a threat from fullback.
Toner is the man tasked with leading the Irish lineout and there will be confidence in another 100% return after that was achieved last weekend against Canada. From there, and the scrums, expect Schmidt’s side to look to width and pacy movement of the ball.
Chris Henry will lead the Irish focus on ensuring Romania get nowhere near the high number of breakdown turnovers they made against the French. Thereafter we should see more of the rugby league-style shapes and passing to width we witnessed last weekend.
Romania’s most experienced XV against Ireland’s oldest World Cup team of all time. With the expectation that Ireland will rack up another bonus point win, Wembley should prove to be country for old men.
Ireland:
15. Simon Zebo
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Jared Payne
12. Darren Cave
11. Keith Earls
10. Ian Madigan
9. Eoin Reddan
1. Cian Healy
2. Richardt Strauss
3. Nathan White
4. Donnacha Ryan
5. Devin Toner
6. Jordi Murphy
7. Chris Henry
8. Jamie Heaslip (captain)
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. Paul O’Connell
20. Sean O’Brien
21. Conor Murray
22. Paddy Jackson
23. Rob Kearney
Romania:
15. Catalin Fercu
14. Adrian Apostol
13. Paula Kinikinilau
12. Csaba Gal
11. Ionut Botezatu
10. Michael Wiringi
9. Valentin Calafeteanu
1. Andrei Ursache
2. Andrei Radoi
3. Paulica Ion
4. Valentin Poparlan
5. Ovidiu Tonita
6. Viorel Lucaci
7. Mihai Macovei (captain)
8. Daniel Carpo
Replacements:
16. Otar Turashvili
17. Mihaita Lazar
18. Alexandru Tarus
19. Johannes van Heerden
20. Stelian Burcea
21. Florin Surugiu
22. Florin Ionita
23. Florin Vlaicu
Referee: Craig Joubert (SRU).
