Rugby: World Cup
Gordon D’Arcy believes that France can expect the unexpected from Ireland this Sunday, that so far in the pool Joe Schmidt’s team have been showing their poker faces.
In his ever-comprehensive weekly column D'Arcy backs Robbie Henshaw to be able to subdue the influence of Mathieu Bastareaud, saying that the big Connacht man has the size and power to match up against the French centre; "he isn't giving up any inches to him and about two less stone that I was. Even when I made perfect entry into a tackle on Mathieu I didn't always slow him down."
Gerry Thornley has the latest Irish squad news this morning, and things are looking good. Both Rob Kearney and Jared Payne are available for selection this weekend, and the squad has no fresh injury concerns following the Italy win.
Last night Fiji's pace and power was too much for Uruguay, as they ran in seven tries to beat the South American's 45-15 - Uruguay now face England on Saturday. Earlier in the day, in Ireland's pool, Romania completed a stirring comeback to beat Canada 17-15 and remain on course for third spot in the group and automatic qualification for the tournament in four years' time.
Soccer
Over to soccer and Liverpool look to have almost secured their man - Jurgen Klopp is expected on Merseyside on Thursday to finalise terms with the Anfield club. If he is appointed before the weekend he'll have over a week to prepare for the club's next fixture against Tottenham, due to the international break this weekend.
Ireland of course play Germany on Thursday and Poland on Sunday - with Hull midfielder David Meyler likely to fill in for suspended holding midfielder Glenn Whelan, and while Séamus Coleman's availability remains the main injury concern, Wes Hoolahan also sat out training yesterday.
GAA
Cian O'Neill was last night ratified as the new Kildare manager, meaning exciting times ahead for his native county, but leaving Kerry without a coach/selector/fitness trainer for the new season.
While Sean Moran's column this morning is addressing the proposals for a Champions League type championship format, and how "it may be possible in the future to implement plans to make the championship more exclusive, there doesn't appear to be an appetite from them now" - them being the GAA.
Boxing
Meanwhile Irish boxers Brendan Irvine and Michael O'Reilly qualified into the last 16 of the World Championships last night.
What to watch out for
RWC tonight with South Africa v USA at 4.45pm and Namibia v Georgia at 8pm.
TV3 from 4.30pm
3e from 7.45pm (second game).
Both the Irish rugby and soccer squads will hold a press conference today where more team news will emerge ahead of a crucial weekend - Emmet Malone will also be at Germany's press conference at 2pm, and he'll have a look over their training following that.
