Ireland
Team Preview
Coach:
Eddie O'Sullivan
Previous World Cups:
1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003
Best Performance:
Quarter-Finals 1987, 1991, 1995, 2003
Played:
21 - 11 wins, 10 losses
World Ranking:
No.5
Fixtures:
v Namibia, Bordeaux, September 9
v Georgia, Bordeaux, September 15
v France, Saint-Denis, September 21
v Argentina, Paris, September 30
Squad:
Facts:
1. Ireland currently plays home games at Croke Park, the home of Gaelic sport. Renovation of traditional home Lansdowne Road should be completed by 2009.
2. Coach Eddie O'Sullivan previously managed the United States.
3. Ireland is a four-time World Cup quarter-finalist.
4. Its best position since world rankings started in 2003 is third, achieved in 2006.
5. In 1995 a new national anthem - Ireland's Call - was commissioned for use at away games.
Key Players:
GORDON D'ARCY
Topping the list of newcomers is Gordon D'Arcy, whose blistering form has seen him showered with awards for province and country this season.
The dynamic Leinster centre has emerged as Ireland's most consistent attacking weapon, even eclipsing O'Driscoll during this year's Six Nations.
O'Driscoll's ability to turn a game has been reduced by the attention he receives from defenders, but this has only served to open up opportunities for D'Arcy.
Fears the 27-year-old may be too small at 5ft 10in to become a major threat at inside centre were swiftly dispelled with his strength in attack and defence making him a formidable opponent.
He hits hard in the tackle and in tight quarters he can make the hard yards when he gets his legs pumping.
But D'Arcy's greatest strength lies in his side step and dazzling footwork, skills that allow him to unlock the meanest of defences, while he also has the pace to capitalise on an opening.
SHANE HORGAN
Outside him lies possibly Ireland's greatest threat - on his day.
Shane Horgan is a centre who has been converted to the wing and the Leinster back's knowledge of both positions has proved highly profitable to Ireland.
Horgan has been given a roaming role that sees him coming in off his accustomed right-wing position and bursting through midfield where his strength and ability to pass out of the tackle can be lethal.
At 6ft 4in and more than 100kg he takes some stopping, but he is no simple battering ram thanks to superb handling skills and vision.
Horgan's versatility marks him out as a crucial member of the team and it was the Lions' misfortune that he was not used more intelligently during the 2005 tour to New Zealand.
The 29-year-old was in magnificent form last autumn and endured a quieter Six Nations, but he has rarely let Ireland down in its hour of need.
RONAN O'GARA
Brian O'Driscoll, D'Arcy and Horgan may fire the gun, but it is Ronan O'Gara who provides the ammunition with the Munster five-eighth having developed into a masterful playmaker.
There is even an argument to be made that O'Gara is the most irreplaceable member of the Ireland squad, given the worrying lack of depth at No.10.
Only Paddy Wallace provides cover, but he is not in O'Gara's class and injury to the 30-year-old would do irreparable damage to Ireland's World Cup campaign.
He is a precision place and tactical kicker, punishing opposition indiscipline with ruthless accuracy, but has also grown in confidence as an attacking force.
After masterclasses against South Africa and Australia last autumn, he declared his ambition is to become the second-best No.10 behind All Blacks golden boy Dan Carter - and that title is probably already his.
BRIAN O'DRISCOLL
The glue that holds Ireland together is O'Driscoll, the Leinster centre whose enduring brilliance has made him a national hero and brought him enormous celebrity.
Increased vigilance from his opponents has meant the length of the gaps between O'Driscoll's moments of magic have increased, but the Lions skipper is still the most devastating player in Ireland's ranks.
Fantastic pace, great skills, vision, strength and determination make him the world's finest centre of the past seven years, while his frantic work in securing ball on the ground bears the hallmarks of a tigerish openside.
But his immense value to Ireland transcends his genius as a player with his inspirational leadership making him Ireland's undoubted figurehead.
O'Driscoll's influence is so great that it has even been suggested Ireland is incapable of winning the big games without him and an injury to the 28-year-old would be unthinkable.
PAUL O'CONNELL
Should O'Driscoll ever be forced out, a towering presence in more ways than one is on hand to replace him.
Paul O'Connell has justifiably earned himself the reputation of being one of the best locks in the world - if not the best.
The Munsterman's aggressive, uncompromising and intense approach have drawn comparison with England great Martin Johnson, but he is also mobile around the pitch and an excellent ball-carrier.
He suffered a slow start to the Six Nations - the 27-year-old is prone to notable dips in form - but was back to his barnstorming best against England and he will lead Ireland's pack throughout the World Cup.