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Ireland and Scotland drawn together for Rugby World Cup 2027

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:09:26 +0000

Ireland and Scotland are paired together for the third Rugby World Cup tournament in a row and fourth time in total following today’s draw.

Drawn in Pool D, the Celtic neighbours are drawn alongside Uruguay and Portugal.

In World Cup matches, Ireland beat the Scots in both the 2019 and 2023 tournaments, while Scotland claimed victory at the 1991 edition.

Ireland have never faced Uruguay or Portugal on the Rugby World Cup stage. Andy Farrell’s side did, however, post their record win (106-7) in test rugby against Portugal earlier this year.

The Ireland side will face a South American team in a pool for the first time since Argentina in 2007.

Portugal and Uruguay will meet for the first time at a Rugby World Cup.

Scotland’s only previous meetings with Uruguay and Portugal both came in the debut tournaments for those teams, in 1999 and 2007 respectively.

Portugal’s first-ever Rugby World Cup match was against Scotland, where they suffered a comprehensive 56-10 defeat.

Os Lobos have now been paired with at least two European teams in each of their three Rugby World Cup tournaments.

POOL A (NZL, AUS, CHI, HKG)

Australia and New Zealand are drawn together in a pool for the first time. This will be their first RWC meeting since the 2015 final won 34-17 by New Zealand at Twickenham.

The Wallabies will face a South American team for the fifth time in a pool after Argentina (1991 and 2003) and Uruguay (2015 and 2019).

Two of New Zealand’s titles came after facing a South American team in a pool (Argentina in 1987 and 2015).

Chile will face three new teams on the Rugby World Cup stage. They have a won one, lost one record against Hong Kong China, the only team in their pool that they have faced before.

Hong Kong China will be the 27th national team to play in a Men’s Rugby World Cup. The country’s women were also drawn in a pool with New Zealand for their Rugby World Cup debut in 2017, losing 121-0 in Dublin.

POOL B (RSA, ITA, GEO, ROU)

South Africa are drawn in Pool B for the third successive tournament and have always been in a pool with at least one European nation. This is the second tournament in a row they will face three European nations after meeting Ireland, Scotland and Romania at RWC 2023.

Italy are drawn in a pool with Georgia for the first time.

Georgia will face South Africa for the first time since their debut tournament in 2003 in Australia, a match they lost 46-19 in Sydney.

Italy will meet the Springboks for the second time, having lost 49-3 in their RWC 2019 encounter in Japan.

It will be a third tournament in a row that Italy face an African opponent, having also met Namibia in 2019 and 2023.

Romania have lost to all three of their pool opponents at a Rugby World Cup (Georgia in 2011, Italy in 2007 and 2015 and South Africa in 1995 and 2023).

POOL C (ARG, FIJ, ESP, CAN)

Argentina and Fiji met in their first-ever Rugby World Cup match in 1987, the Pacific Islanders winning 28-9 in Hamilton. They have not been drawn in a pool together since then.

Los Pumas have never met Canada or Spain on the Rugby World Cup stage and it is 22 years since their last test against Canada, a 62-22 win in Buenos Aires. Argentina beat Spain 62-3 in August 2023.

Canada have faced their other two pool opponents this year, losing 24-23 to Spain in July and 63-10 to Fiji in September.

Fiji and Canada last met at a Rugby World Cup in 2007, the Fijians winning 29-16.

Canada will face a Pacific islands nation for the first time since they beat Tonga 25-20 at at RWC 2011.

Spain and Fiji met last month, the Pacific Islanders running out 41-33 winners in Malaga.

Spain faced a South American team in their first RWC match in 1999, losing 27-15. They will face these three teams for the first time on the Rugby World Cup stage.

POOL E (FRA, JPN, USA, SAM)

France will meet Samoa for the first time in a Rugby World Cup pool match.

Les Bleus have met Japan on two occasions, including when the tournament was last held in Australia in 2003.

France were among USA’s opponents at their last Rugby World Cup in 2019.

Japan and Samoa are drawn together for the fourth tournament in a row, the Brave Blossoms having won the three most recent encounters after a loss in 1999.

USA and Japan met in their first-ever Rugby World Cup match, the Men’s Eagles winning 21-18 at Ballymore in 1987. Two of the three RWC meetings between Japan and USA have come on Australian soil with USA also winning 39-26 in Gosford in 2003.

Samoa, who lost to USA in the RWC 2027 qualification process, will meet the Eagles in a tournament hosted outside of Europe for the first time, having met in 2007 (France) and 2015 (England).

POOL F (ENG, WAL, TGA, ZIM)

England will face Wales for the second time in a RWC pool, having lost 28-25 on home soil in 2015.

Tonga are one of two sides that England have scored a century of points against on the Rugby World Cup stage (101-10 in 1999). England also beat the ‘Ikale Tahi on two other occasions, in 2007 and 2019.

Wales and Tonga last met at a Rugby World Cup in 2003, the Welsh winning 27-20 in Canberra. They also faced off in the inaugural tournament in 1987, Wales winning 29-16.

Zimbabwe have three new Rugby World Cup opponents, taking the number of different teams they will have faced to eight (only Scotland twice). It will be the first time they face a Pacific Islands nation.

Tonga and Zimbabwe’s meeting at RWC 2027 will come 30 years after the ‘Ikale Tahi ran out 42-13 winners in their only previous test in Harare.

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Dragons RFC v Leinster Rugby – Full Stats Preview, Team News & Betting

JoeNa Connacht — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:02:39 +0000

Dragons RFC v Leinster Rugby – Full Stats Preview, Team News & Betting

Date: Friday, 28 November 2025
Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport
Kick-off: 19:45 (IRE/UK) | 20:45 (ITA) | 21:45 (SA)
Live on: Premier Sports, TG4, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Match Officials

Referee: Morne Ferreira (SARU) – 19th URC appearance
AR 1: Craig Evans (WRU)
AR 2: Lucas Yendle (WRU)
TMO: Chris Allison (SARU)

Overview

Leinster travel to Rodney Parade as 20-point favourites, with the form guide, scoring trends and defensive numbers all pointing strongly in their direction. Dragons remain winless after five rounds and are conceding over 30 points per match, while Leinster’s attack has exploded into life in recent weeks with 81 points scored in their last two fixtures.

Despite missing several Ireland internationals through injury, Leinster’s depth remains one of the strongest in the competition and they arrive in Newport seeking a third win of the season.

Dragons RFC – 2025/26 Season Results

Match	Score	Result
Ulster v Dragons	42–21	Loss
Dragons v Sharks	17–17	Draw
Glasgow v Dragons	49–0	Loss
Dragons v Cardiff	17–24	Loss
Dragons v Ospreys	19–19	Draw

Record: P5 | W0 | D2 | L3
Points For: 74 | Points Against: 151
Average Score: Dragons 14.8 – 30.2 Opponents
Points Difference: –77

Key Dragons Trends

Conceded 42, 49 and 24 points in three losses.
Have yet to win a match this season.
Scored between 17–21 points in every game except the Glasgow result.
Defence statistically weakest in the URC after five rounds.

Leinster Rugby – 2025/26 Season Results

Match	Score	Result
Stormers v Leinster	35–0	Loss
Bulls v Leinster	39–31	Loss
Leinster v Sharks	31–5	Win
Leinster v Munster	14–31	Loss
Leinster v Zebre	50–26	Win

Record: P5 | W2 | L3
Points For: 126 | Points Against: 136
Average Score: Leinster 25.2 – 27.2 Opponents
Points Difference: –10

Key Leinster Trends

Scored 31, 31 and 50 points in three of their last four matches.
Attack improving significantly across the last two rounds.
Bench impact continues to be a major strength.
Defence inconsistent but improving at scrum and maul.

Leinster Injury Update

Tommy O’Brien: GRTP protocols – unavailable.
Ryan Baird: Leg injury – out up to 3 months.
Will Connors: Arm injury – out for several weeks.
Robbie Henshaw: Hamstring rehab – still unavailable.
Jamie Osborne: Shoulder injury – out up to 4 months.
James Culhane: Knee injury – out for next few months.

Head-to-Head (URC)

Season	Fixture	Score
2020/21	Dragons v Leinster	29–35
2022/23	Dragons v Leinster	10–43
2023/24	Dragons v Leinster	10–33
2024/25	Leinster v Dragons	34–6

Average Margin (last 4 meetings): Leinster by 22.5 points

Match Analysis

1. Leinster’s Power & Tempo v Dragons’ Defence

Dragons concede over 30 points per match and have already leaked 42, 49 and 24 this season. Leinster’s attack is trending upwards, making this a difficult matchup for the hosts.

2. Dragons’ Scoring Limits

Dragons have yet to score more than 21 points and were held to zero in Glasgow. Against a Leinster side that has recently rediscovered its attacking edge, that may not be enough to stay competitive.

3. Leinster’s Depth Advantage

Even with key injuries, Leinster’s second-string remains among the strongest units in the URC. Their set-piece dominance and bench impact should tilt the later stages heavily in their favour.

Betting Preview – Leinster –20

Why Leinster Are Favoured

Dragons winless in all five matches.
Dragons have conceded 151 points – the most in the league.
Leinster have won the last four head-to-heads by margins of 6, 33, 23 and 28.
Leinster scored 50 points last weekend.
Dragons have scored only 14–21 points in every game.

Recommended Bets

Leinster –20 Handicap
Leinster Winning Margin 21–30
Over Leinster 29.5 Points
Anytime Tryscorer: Harry Byrne, Jason Jenkins, Scott Penny
Dragons Under 17.5 Points

Prediction

Leinster 38–13 Dragons
Leinster’s attacking form, physical dominance and squad depth should be too much for a Dragons side struggling for confidence and defensive stability. Unless conditions are severe, Leinster should have enough to cover the handicap.

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Connacht Rugby v Hollywoodbets Sharks – Full Stats Preview, Team News & Betting

JoeNa Connacht — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:48:25 +0000

Connacht Rugby v Hollywoodbets Sharks – Full Stats Preview, Team News & Betting

Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025
Venue: Dexcom Stadium, Galway
Kick-off: 19:45 (IRE/UK) | 20:45 (ITA) | 21:45 (SA)
Live on: TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Match Officials

Referee: Ben Breakspear (WRU) – 14th URC game
AR 1: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
AR 2: Jack MacNeice (IRFU)
TMO: Keith David (WRU)

Overview

Connacht welcome the Hollywoodbets Sharks to Galway in Round 6 of the URC, with the bookmakers installing the home side as 8-point favourites. Both teams have shown flashes of quality this season, but the statistics paint a clear picture of Connacht being the more consistent and defensively reliable of the two.

Despite sitting mid-table, Connacht have a positive points differential and all three of their defeats have come by a single score. The Sharks, meanwhile, remain unpredictable and have struggled defensively on the road, conceding over 27 points per game.

Connacht – Season Results (2025/26)

Match	Score	Result
Connacht v Benetton	26–15	Win
Cardiff v Connacht	14–8	Loss
Connacht v Bulls	27–28	Loss
Munster v Connacht	17–15	Loss
Connacht v Scarlets	Postponed	–

Record: P4 | W1 | L3
Points For: 76 | Points Against: 74
Average Score: Connacht 19 – 18 Opponents

Connacht have lost games by 6, 1 and 2 points, underlining that performance levels remain strong. Their defence, conceding just 18.5 points per match, is among the best in the league to date.

Sharks – Season Results (2025/26)

Match	Score	Result
Glasgow v Sharks	35–19	Loss
Dragons v Sharks	17–17	Draw
Leinster v Sharks	31–5	Loss
Ulster v Sharks	34–26	Loss
Sharks v Scarlets	29–19	Win

Record: P5 | W1 | D1 | L3
Points For: 96 | Points Against: 136
Average Score: Sharks 19 – 27 Opponents

The Sharks have conceded 30+ points in three of their five matches and remain winless away from home this season. Their defence has been the most inconsistent element of their campaign.

Form Guide & Key Statistics

Connacht

Positive points differential (+2) despite a losing record.
Conceding only 18.5 points per match.
Two-point loss away to Munster shows improvement in tight games.
Mack Hansen and Byron Ralston remain injury concerns.
New signing Sam Gilbert could make his Connacht debut.

Sharks

–40 points differential across five games.
Conceding 27.2 points per match.
Winless in all away fixtures.
Jean Smith and Vincent Tshituka are the main attacking threats.
Siya Kolisi remains a turnover machine at the breakdown.

Head-to-Head (URC)

Season	Fixture	Score
2021/22	Sharks v Connacht	21–20
2022/23	Connacht v Sharks	24–12
2023/24	Sharks v Connacht	31–19
2024/25	Connacht v Sharks	36–31

Average total points: 47.5
Average Connacht score: 24.8
Average Sharks score: 22.8

Three of the four meetings have been decided by seven points or fewer, though Connacht’s scoring output at home tends to be significantly higher.

Betting Preview – Connacht –8

Why Connacht Are Favourites

Sharks concede almost 9 points more per game than Connacht.
Connacht’s home performances include a win and a one-point loss to the Bulls.
Sharks have not won away this season.
Connacht’s defeats have been by extremely narrow margins.

Suggested Bets

Connacht –8 Handicap (most statistical support)
Connacht to Win by 6–12 Points
Under 50.5 Total Points (weather-dependent)
Anytime Tryscorer: Josh Ioane or Vincent Tshituka

Prediction

Connacht 24–16 Sharks
Home strength, defensive control and better discipline should carry Connacht through. Sharks will threaten in moments, but Connacht’s consistency and structure point to a steady, controlled victory.

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URC Rugby Betting Lines Swing Wild as International Call-Ups Hit Welsh & Italian Sides

JoeNa Connacht — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:14:23 +0000

URC Betting Lines Swing Wild as International Call-Ups Hit Welsh & Italian Sides

The opening URC handicap lines landed on Monday morning, but it didn’t take long for the bookmakers to react. By Tuesday, several fixtures had already seen major line movement — with international call-ups playing a huge role in shifting the odds.

Wales are in action this weekend, meaning the Welsh regions are missing multiple front-line players. Cardiff, Ospreys, Scarlets, and Dragons have all been affected, and the market corrected aggressively once squads became clearer.

On the Italian side, there are growing concerns that not all of Benetton’s Italian internationals will line out, triggering one of the biggest handicap swings of the round. With depth tested and uncertainty surrounding selection, punters have quickly moved against the Treviso outfit.

Meanwhile, Irish provinces have held steady, and the South African sides — who are now back after Champions Cup commitments — are beginning to settle into their winter rhythm.

URC Handicap Line Movement – Monday → Tuesday

Dragons vs Leinster

Opening: Dragons +18
Tuesday: +21

Leinster have been backed hard from the start. Dragons are badly hit by Welsh call-ups, and the market doesn’t fancy their depth against a Leinster side that rarely shows mercy.

Ulster vs Benetton

Opening: Ulster -8
Tuesday: -15

The biggest Irish swing of the week. The market reacted immediately once doubts emerged about Benetton’s access to their Italy internationals.

Bulls vs Lions

Opening: Bulls -11
Tuesday: -12

A small but steady move toward the Bulls.

Zebre vs Cardiff

Opening: Zebre -1
Tuesday: -7

Cardiff have lost several starters to Wales duty, leading to strong support for Zebre.

Edinburgh vs Ospreys

Opening: Edinburgh -13
Tuesday: -23

The most dramatic move of the round — a ten-point swing driven by Ospreys’ depleted squad.

Munster vs Stormers

Opening: Munster -7
Tuesday: -7

No change. The market remains confident in the original number.

Connacht vs Sharks

Opening: Connacht -8
Tuesday: -8

Unchanged. Both sides priced accurately from the start.

Scarlets vs Glasgow

Opening: Scarlets +11
Tuesday: +14

Scarlets drifting due to Welsh call-ups, while Glasgow remain firm favourites.

The Big Picture

Wales call-ups hurting Welsh URC teams.
Italian uncertainty hurting Benetton.
Irish lines holding steady.

The early value has already been hit — but further movement is likely once squads are confirmed.

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List of Top 10 at Number 10: Irish Rugby Players at Out-Half

JoeNa Connacht — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:04:26 +0000

There is so much debate about the Out Half position for the Ireland rugby team, we look at the top ten players who could wear the number 10 shirt at the next world cup.

Ireland has more out-half options than at any point in the last decade, but opinions on pecking order vary wildly depending on who you ask. This is one ranking — a straight, honest depth chart based on current form, reliability, potential, and what each player brings heading into the end of 2025.

Below is Joe’s personal ranking of the top 10 Irish-qualified 10s, in order, with clear factual context for each.

1. Harry Byrne

Byrne has finally had a long, uninterrupted run of games, and his control, kicking accuracy, and game-management have matured massively. When fully fit, he is one of the most composed out-halves in Ireland, and his skillset suits modern test rugby.

2. Sam Prendergast

Still young, still developing, but his ceiling is enormous. Prendergast brings creativity, long passing range, and a booming left boot. He is already a central figure in Leinster’s long-term planning and continues to grow into the shirt.

3. Jack Crowley

Crowley remains a high-quality operator with strong all-round fundamentals. He has plenty of big-game mileage with Munster and remains one of Ireland’s safest and most experienced options in the position.

4. Ciarán Frawley

Frawley is the most versatile back in the country — able to play 10, 12, and 15. That flexibility sometimes pushes him out of the pure 10 conversation, but his distribution, kicking game, and control make him a top-tier option when needed.

5. Casper Gabriel

A young talent who has gathered momentum through provincial development systems. Gabriel is still very much a prospect, but his potential is the reason he ranks this high. Strong technically and highly rated by those who have watched him closely.

6. JJ Hanrahan

The experienced head on the list. Hanrahan has played in multiple leagues, understands the position inside out, and remains a reliable, steady 10 who can step in and control a game with maturity.

7. Jack McGrath

Another player viewed as a developing option with a tidy kicking game and good tactical shape. Still progressing, but clearly talented enough to be included in the national discussion as depth builds.

8. Sean Naughton

A younger option, improving year on year. Shows sharp decision-making, good organisation, and has the raw tools to push further up the rankings with more game time and refinement.

9. Jack Carty

One of the most experienced out-halves in the country. While others have overtaken him in long-term projection, Carty’s passing range and composure keep him relevant and useful in any ranking.

10. Tony Butler

Still early in his senior career, but progressing well. Butler has shown confidence and solid fundamentals, earning his place on the list as another promising Munster-developed 10 with room to grow.

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Ireland U20s Team Named to Face South Africa in Cork

JoeNa Connacht — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:32:30 +0000

Ireland U20s Squad Named to Face South Africa in Cork

The Ireland Men’s U20s, sponsored by PwC, have named a strong matchday squad for Friday night’s challenge match against South Africa U20s at Virgin Media Park in Cork (Kick-off 7.30pm).

Head Coach Andrew Browne has assembled an extended panel for a week-long training camp in Cork ahead of the new season, with several returning internationals included in the 23-man squad.

Leinster prop Sami Bishti will captain the side, with Charlie Molony, Tom Wood and Donnacha McGuire all back in green after impressing during last season’s U20 Six Nations campaign.

Former Dublin minor footballer and current Trinity College top try-scorer Noah Byrne starts at full-back, while the squad also features a blend of experience and exciting new talent from across the provinces.

Friday’s fixture offers a valuable early test for Browne and his coaching team as preparations ramp up for the 2026 U20 Six Nations, which kicks off in February. The match will allow the coaching staff to assess squad depth, combinations, and fitness levels against one of world rugby’s top age-grade sides.

Tickets are available now via
Ticketmaster.ie, and the match will be streamed live on
IrishRugby+, with coverage supported by PwC, the official sponsor of the Ireland U20s.

Ireland Men’s U20s Matchday Squad vs South Africa U20s

Friday, 7.30pm – Virgin Media Park, Cork

15. Noah Byrne (DUFC/Leinster)
14. Charlie Molony (UCD/Leinster)
13. Sean Walsh (Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
12. James O’Leary (UCC/Munster)
11. Daniel Ryan (Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
10. Tom Wood (Garryowen/Munster)
9. Christopher Barrett (UCC/Munster)

1. Max Doyle (UCD/Leinster)
2. Lee Fitzpatrick (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
3. Sami Bishti (UCD/Leinster) (captain)
4. Donnacha McGuire (UCD/Leinster)
5. Dylan McNeice (UCD/Leinster)
6. Joe Finn (Garryowen/Munster)
7. Arthur Ashmore (Terenure College RFC/Leinster)
8. Diarmaid O’Connell (Corinthians RFC/Connacht)

Replacements

16. Rian Handley (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
17. Christian Foley (Young Munster RFC/Munster)
18. Blake McClean (Instonians RFC/Ulster)
19. Sean Walsh (MU Barnhall RFC/Leinster)
20. Michael O’Sullivan (UCC/Munster)
21. Fergus Callington (Durham University/IQ Rugby)
22. Conor O’Shaughnessy (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
23. Johnny O’Sullivan (DUFC/Leinster)

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Wales v Japan Preview – Band 2 Seeding on the Line as Rankings Tighten

JoeNa Connacht — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:34:41 +0000

Wales v Japan Preview – Band 2 Seeding on the Line as Rankings Tighten

Saturday’s Test between Wales and Japan is now far more than a November warm-up. With Wales on 73.57 ranking points and Japan on 73.25, just 0.32 points separates the sides, making this a genuine winner-takes-all battle for the final Band 2 spot in the World Cup draw.

Form and Context

Wales come into the game after a disappointing defeat to Argentina. Their attack lacked fluency, the lineout malfunctioned at key moments, and poor exits allowed Argentina to control large portions of the contest. Wales created chances but lacked finishing precision, with discipline and breakdown errors costing them momentum.

Japan were beaten heavily by Ireland, but the scoreline didn’t tell the full story. For the first half, Japan were excellent — energetic, accurate, and full of tempo. They moved the ball quickly, attacked width with confidence, and caused Ireland real defensive problems. Their organisation and decision-making in the opening 40 minutes were sharp and clever.

The issue came in the final 20 minutes. Japan visibly ran out of energy. Their line speed dropped, they stopped competing at the breakdown, and the defensive system collapsed. Ireland dominated collisions, held possession for long phases, and punished tired legs. That late fade is now a major concern heading into Cardiff: Japan can be brilliant when fresh but struggle significantly when fatigue sets in.

Why This Match Matters

This fixture directly impacts World Cup seeding:

Wales win → Band 2
Japan win → Band 2
Draw → dependent on margins and other results

Band 2 seeding provides a far more favourable pool draw, while Band 3 typically throws a team into a group with two Tier 1 powerhouses.

The Odds: Wales –11

Wales are priced as –11 favourites, largely due to home advantage and Japan’s defensive fade against Ireland. Wales will rely heavily on their physical edge, set-piece strength, and crowd intensity. Japan’s attacking spark means they’ll cause problems — but their stamina drop-off is something Wales are likely to target deliberately.

Tactical Breakdown

Wales Need Structure

For Wales, the focus must be on:

improved breakdown protection
cleaner exit strategies
greater discipline
direct carries through midfield

If they fix those areas, their physical edge and home crowd intensity should carry them.

Japan Need Chaos

Japan’s path to victory lies in playing a high-tempo game. They will rely on:

fast ruck ball
offloads in broken play
quick tap penalties
kicks behind the rush defence

If they succeed in dragging Wales into a quicker, less structured contest, they can overturn the odds.

Prediction

Both teams arrive wounded, both have everything to gain, and both have key weaknesses to address. Expect a tense, tactical contest decided by discipline and accuracy.

Prediction: Wales by 10–12 points.

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Expected Ireland Starting Team to Face Australia – Full Line-Up

JoeNa Connacht — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:07:42 +0000

Expected Ireland XV to Face Australia – Selection Calls, Pressure Points and Full Line-Up

Ireland enter their second Test of the November window under significant scrutiny. A 41–10 win over Japan felt more like a warning light than a confidence boost, and the selection for the clash with Australia is expected to reflect both the need for stability and the urgency to sharpen key areas. With the Wallabies arriving in Dublin wounded and unpredictable, Ireland must find rhythm, accuracy and intensity from the opening whistle.

Back Three: Power, Pace and Territory

The backfield is expected to remain built around experience and versatility. Mack Hansen should return at full-back, offering counter-attacking flair and reliability. Tommy O’Brien is in form and brings defensive sharpness, while James Lowe remains Ireland’s primary territorial kicker and wide carrier.

Midfield: Control, Defensive Structure and Gainline Options

Sticking with the familiar looks most likely. Garry Ringrose, the defensive general, continues to be central to Ireland’s shape, while Stuart McCloskey provides physicality, direct carrying and structure in midfield. Their understanding is crucial, especially against an athletic Australian pairing.

Half-Backs: Tempo and Tactical Control

Jack Crowley retains the 10 jersey, tasked with game management and unlocking width. Jamison Gibson-Park returns at scrum-half, pushing tempo, scanning space and dictating rhythm. Ireland’s attack must be sharper here — slow ball killed flow in Yokohama.

Front Row: Experience and Scrummaging Duty

Experience still trumps experimentation. Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are expected to start again, tasked with stabilising the scrum and delivering cleaner lineout delivery. All three offer powerful defensive work around the field.

Second Row: Leadership and Breakdown Pressure

James Ryan continues to steer the lineout, while Tadhg Beirne operates as the disruptor — stripping ball, reading rucks and generating turnovers. This pairing gives Ireland height and mobility.

Back Row: Balance, Breakdown and Ball-Carry

Ryan Baird brings athleticism and lineout reach on the blindside. Caelan Doris is again expected to captain the side from openside, offering breakdown accuracy and tempo. Jack Conan adds carrying power at No.8, giving Ireland a direct outlet against Australia’s defensive line.

Predicted Ireland Starting XV

Mack Hansen

Tommy O’Brien

Garry Ringrose

Stuart McCloskey

James Lowe

Jack Crowley

Jamison Gibson-Park

Andrew Porter

Dan Sheehan

Tadhg Furlong

James Ryan

Tadhg Beirne

Ryan Baird

Caelan Doris (captain)

Jack Conan

Bench Impact Options

Ronan Kelleher
Paddy McCarthy
Thomas Clarkson
Cian Prendergast
Josh van der Flier
Craig Casey
Sam Prendergast
Jimmy O’Brien

Verdict

This XV offers structure and familiarity but still carries pressure to deliver cohesion. Australia remain capable of chaos and counter-punch rugby — Ireland must rediscover accuracy and aggression in the collision zone to avoid another disjointed performance. With major Tests still ahead, the Wallabies clash comes at the perfect time to reset confidence and start building momentum.

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Monday Rugby Betting Lines – Early Market Snapshot

JoeNa Connacht — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:16:22 +0000

Monday Rugby Betting Lines – Early Market Snapshot

Opening handicaps and prices for this weekend’s internationals. All prices 10/11 each side unless stated. UK/IE fractional odds.

Italy v South Africa — 12:40

Handicap: Italy +22
Italy (+22): 10/11
Draw (+22): 22/1
South Africa (–22): 10/11

Note: Big physical edge to SA; line shows Italy getting home respect.

England v New Zealand — 15:10

Handicap: England –1
England (–1): 10/11
Draw (–1): 20/1
New Zealand (+1): 10/11

Note: Essentially a pick’em with home advantage to England.

Wales v Japan — 17:40

Handicap: Wales –11
Wales (–11): 10/11
Draw (–11): 20/1
Japan (+11): 10/11

Note: +11 generous to Japan if Wales keep rotating.

France v Fiji — 20:10

Handicap: France –22
France (–22): 10/11
Draw (–22): 22/1
Fiji (+22): 10/11

Note: Huge number; France at home usually justify double digits.

Ireland v Australia — 20:10

Handicap: Ireland –10
Ireland (–10): 10/11
Draw (–10): 20/1
Australia (+10): 10/11

Note: Dublin factor priced in; +10 asks a question of the Wallabies.

Sunday — Scotland v Argentina — 15:10

Handicap: Scotland –2
Scotland (–2): 10/11
Draw (–2): 20/1
Argentina (+2): 10/11

Note: Tightest tie of the round; line looks bang on.

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Ireland Team v New Zealand on Saturday

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:33:42 +0000

Ireland Rugby Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his match day squad for Saturday’s Gallagher Cup clash against New Zealand at Soldier Field, Chicago.

The 8.10pm Irish time kick-off, live on Virgin Media One and TNT Sports, will be the first game in a busy month of international fixtures for the Irish side.

Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland for the second time at Soldier Field, while Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is in line for his Test debut off the bench.

In the pack, Farrell has chosen Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe in the Ireland back three.

Stuart McCloskey will partner Garry Ringrose in midfield, while Munster’s Jack Crowley will start at out-half, partnering Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs.

Andrew Porter, captain Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong constitute the front row.

James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne are in the engine room, and a back row of Ryan Baird at blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier at openside and Jack Conan at number eight completing Ireland’s starting line-up.

Strong Irish bench

Farrell has strong options on the bench with Ronan Kelleher, the uncapped McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson and the returning Caelan Doris the forward replacements.

Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast and Bundee Aki will provide the backline reinforcements.

“A privilege to be back here”

As he looked forward to Saturday’s game against the All Blacks, Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell said:

“It is a real privilege to be back here in Chicago ahead of a huge game against New Zealand. The clashes with New Zealand over the years have been fantastic occasions and we’re expecting more of the same on Saturday.

“The historic nature of this game is something we are embracing and there’s great excitement in the squad, not least for Paddy McCarthy who is set to make his international debut this weekend. Paddy has made a great start to the season and his selection is testament to his impressive form. We wish him well and will all do our utmost to make it a special weekend for him and his family.”

Ireland (v New Zealand):

(Club/Province/Caps)

15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(8)
14. Tommy O’Brien (UCD/Leinster)(2)
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(67)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(21)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(40)
10. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(26)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(43)

1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(75)
2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(32)(captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(79)
4. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(72)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(61)
6. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(29)
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(73)
8. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(51)

Ireland Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(39)
17. Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)*
18. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(51)
19. Iain Henderson (Academy/Ulster)(85)
20. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(51)
21. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(20)
22. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(9)
23. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(65).

* denotes uncapped

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