For the first time so far in this Rugby World Cup there are no matches today, but this time tomorrow morning Ireland will be out on the field to take on Japan. Here's your all you need to know guide about Ireland's second match of the pool. Gerry Thornley writes that Ireland need to neutralise a Japan side swinging from the hip: "It's going to be some occasions, but in their pack, particularly, and also throughout a strong matchday squad, Ireland do have the ability to control enough of this game, and take a firm grip on this pool." Jack Carty starts at outhalf, and he is keen to put his own stamp on Ireland's No 10 shirt.
In his column this morning, Liam Toland argues the underdogs should reap the reward their pressure deserves. He asks, how often do we see 'lessor' teams fail to get key decisions against the stronger sides? "For the remainder of Pool A Ireland are that stronger side where Japan, Russia and Samoa should receive justly earned rewards for Ireland's fatigue under pressure. Against South Africa, we may need the same!" Elsewhere summer signings Jack McGrath, Sam Carter and Matt Faddes will all earn their first Ulster caps in tonight's Pro14 opener versus Ospreys at Kingspan Stadium. Read John O'Sullivan's preview here.
Six-time All-Ireland winning football captain Stephen Cluxton is now in line to receive the one award that has so far eluded him throughout his long and successful career. He's joined by Dublin team mates Con O'Callaghan and Jack McCaffrey on the shortlist for Footballer of the Year, and among 13 players from the five-in-a-row champions to be nominated for an All Star. After talking with Wexford officials on Thursday evening, Davy Fitzgerald is now committed to Wexford for another two seasons.
Meanwhile Derby County defender Richard Keogh may well have played his last game for Ireland after sustaining a serious knee injury in a car crash that his club say will keep out of action for the rest of this season. Read Emmet Malone's detailed report on that story here. While in Doha, the World Athletics Championships kick off today, and Ian O'Riordan previews the tournament and the Irish athletes in action here.
