YOU DON’T FORGET being in a changing room with Paul O’Connell.
I feel like I’ve grown up with the guy. He’s a guy who will challenge things. If someone puts forward a point, Paulie will question it to make sure that it’s 100% correct.
He will do absolutely everything in his power to make sure that the best preparation is in place for everybody. He’s a guy you want to play for.
We won Heineken Cups together, Triple Crowns and a Grand Slam in 2009. He’s an exceptional player, but what sets him apart is what he brings in changing rooms, team meetings, just being in the environment he brings an extra 10% out of fellas.
His focus and concentration are contagious. Guys might be wearing headphones, in their own space mentally before a game, but once Paulie starts speaking the headphones are off and everyone listens. He has the genuine respect of those around him.
Without Paulie, you couldn’t see Ireland reaching that semi-final or final that’s being talked about. I think he’s the character in this group and is the major power in this Ireland squad.
To have him there is crucial to what Ireland are going to achieve in the World Cup. He’s exited for this, and I understand the feeling he has. The people and the atmosphere matter to Paulie, I get that because I felt it in Australia at the 2003 World Cup, the thousands of people filling the Telstra Dome when we played the Wallabies.
It’s unbelievably exciting that the tournament is finally here. I’m in Portugal at the moment on a training camp with my new club Sale, but even reading the media gives a sense of the anticipation in England and Wales.
These camps are mentally and physically exhausting – the unexpected rain in Portugal hasn’t helped! – but we finish up today and I can’t wait to watch Ireland play.
We have a few days off, so I’m heading for the sun but I’ve made sure my flights on Saturday work so I can watch the Canada game at Dublin Airport. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.
I’m really happy to see Iain Henderson in the second row. Devin Toner is a quality lineout operator but I think Iain deserves his opportunity. Any time he’s played recently, he’s been the sort of abrasive character that Ireland need.
With himself and Paulie, there’s an incredible engine there. I believe that once your front five is right and you get a genuine work rate out of them, you’re going to win games. Iain has been bringing that work rate more than ever recently, and he also adds massively to their ability to get over the gainline.
Ireland have struggled to get over the gainline at times and there has been a lot of onus on the back row, especially Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien. The backs need those big carriers if they’re going to fire.
That hasn’t always happened and Ireland’s backs haven’t had the quick ball they need, against a defence on the back foot. Henderson brings an ability to get over the gainline, he has it in abundance.
I have to admit I thought it was strange to see Luke Fitzgerald named at 12 with Robbie Henshaw injured, because Darren Cave is proven and experienced in that position, the one out-and-out centre they have.
It was surprising, I really thought Luke was looking at 13 and the wing. Joe is confident he can do a job at 12 and Joe doesn’t get these calls wrong too often.
Seeing Earlsie in the team is brilliant. I remember when he was first coming into the Munster set-up and you knew there was something different there. Paulie was always talking about him back then. He had this guy marked as being a special player.
Earlsie came in just out of school and was physically slight at the time, but his skills were eye-opening.
He’s so quick, even if he doesn’t always look like he’s running quickly. He’s so balanced as a runner. His upper body almost stays still, while his legs are moving in a different direction.
He’s past you before you even realise where he’s shifting to. He reminds me of Christian Cullen with his pace, balance and that way of looking like he’s gliding when he’s actually moving at incredible speed. That side step is amazing as well.
Earlsie has been plagued with injuries, you never like seeing a friend and fellow pro go through that. He’s a shy guy and he’s really humble. He’s a genuine fella and just loves playing the game.
When you’re talking to him, he might drop his head or drop his eyes, but when you get into the conversation he picks it up. I got to know him quite well at Munster and his family and himself are rugby mad Limerick people and it’s great to see him thriving.
This could be his tournament.
I don’t think Ireland have to be too extravagant against Canada. With the two losses in the last two games, there will be a feeling in the camp that they need a good performance to start the momentum here. You don’t want to be waiting until the Italian game to flick the switch.
I don’t think it’s about unveiling all their plays, but it’s making sure the simple things, like the ball carry, are done superbly. Get over the gainline, give the backs the opportunity to play that they haven’t had in the last two games.
Every team is probably going to be slightly tentative in their opening game, England very much so tonight against Fiji. I think when we get to round two and three we’ll see team’s patterns coming into view and players being slightly more instinctive within those shapes.
I haven’t experienced so much media hype about a World Cup. It’s been incredible. As players, it’s been in view since the end of the Six Nations. Friends, family, the press, everyone has been talking about it and it’s been a long build-up for the players.
Paulie and the lads are excited it’s finally here.
I remember landing in 2003 and seeing what it means to the supporters around you. It will become real for the Ireland guys today, walking around Mary Street and seeing friends and family around the place.
It’s finally here and these are the days you want to be wearing the green jersey. Cardiff has been a great hunting ground for Ireland over the years and I’m sure it will be the same this time.
– First published 15.00, 18 Sept
