IRFU chief executive Philip Browne has confirmed that Sunday's World Cup quarter-final at Lansdowne Road between France and the winner of tonight's clash between Ireland and Argentina in Lens will be fully subscribed. "As of now the game is sold out," he said.
The IRFU received 50 per cent of the tickets with the other 50 per cent going to Rugby World Cup Limited. The union's share has already been fully allocated through the provincial branch network and by extension the clubs. There is, however, a glimmer of hope for those hoping to grab a ticket for Sunday's game.
It is anticipated that the IRFU may receive somewhere in the region of 1,500 tickets, returned to them by their counterparts in France (FFR). These are expected to become available later in the week through Ticket-master. The IRFU has stressed, though, that they will advertise the availability of tickets for sale to the general public if and when the situation arises.
There is no point in contacting Ticket-master at present - or the IRFU at any stage - as the tickets have not yet been guaranteed.
Ireland are strong favourites to beat Argentina tonight, at least with Paddy Power Bookmakers. They consider Warren Gatland's men 2/5 favourites with their opponents available at 15/8. The draw may be availed of at 18/1. Those who prefer to dilute a straight bet with a little handicap can support Argentina at 10/11 with a seven point start: it's 10/11 Ireland minus seven points.
In terms of winning the World Cup outright New Zealand are virtually unbackable at 4/9 to all but the most serious punters. The Irish Times suggested in its pre-World Cup supplement that Australia deserved support at 3/1: they are now available at 7/2, still the outstanding bet (even without Toutai Kefu for the Welsh match).
To win the World Cup: 4/9 New Zealand, 7/2 Australia, 7/1 England, 15/2 South Africa, 25/1 Wales, 25/1 France, 66/1 Ireland, 125/1 Manu Samoa, Scotland, 150/1 Argentina, Fiji.
Wales coach Graham Henry believes British sport has fallen behind its rivals around the world because defeat for British teams does not hurt as much.
New Zealander Henry, the former Auckland coach, said: "I think they take defeat much more to heart in New Zealand than in this part of the world. That's not just in Wales but all of Europe; I guess the same could be said of England, Scotland, Ireland and even France.
"From where I come from and my background, it's a no-no to get beaten. I guess that's the tradition of New Zealand rugby and what it stands for."
Australian flanker David Wilson has added to the Wallabies' back-row woes after suffering from an ankle injury in training.
Wilson was declared a doubtful starter for quarter-final against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
With number eight Toutai Kefu already suspended and former Springbok Tiaan Strauss named to replace him, the Australians can ill afford another drop out. Wilson, Australia's most capped forward, rolled his right ankle midway through a session late on Monday.
