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How a casino can bring excitement

You’ll often find that people in the past used to have fun routines and exciting weekends. Now, people are more and more bored, not interested in anything. They care less not only about themselves but also others around them.
The trend of online casinos
As people are staying indoors more, casinos have also jumped on this and are offering online services left and right. Whatever you think about them, you will need to admit they are pretty handy and comfortable to play right from home. People in the past, of course, were also stuck in a routine once in a while, but on average, it’s way less than people nowadays. There may be arguments that playing casino can help you prevent burnout from work.
Live casinos

An easy and fun way to spice up your life is by trying out a casino or betting. People have been betting and gambling ever since the early 17th century. However, it is easy to be sceptical and say casinos are a waste of time. But in reality this is mostly the media industry bashing on another industry. Now, a trend out there is Live casinos. These are webcam-based online casinos. They are very interesting. You can try live casino here to see what it is.
Have fun with friends or people in your household
Also socially, you can really level up your connections through something like a casino. The beauty of online casinos is that you can play anywhere, any time and with anyone. It really creates those long-lasting memories for you and friends.

Even playing with strangers at a casino is something worth trying. Since most people have a basic understanding of casinos, you should be able to play it with strangers without much explanation. Also on another aspect, it gives you a common ground to engage in a conversation. For many, this can really be a game-changing avenue for socializing.

Why Fishing Could Be the Next Big Irish Sport

People often debate whether fishing is a real sport or not. Given that it requires skills, practice and knowledge to do well, it’s easy to see why more people than ever before are convinced that it could be the next big pro sport to take off in Ireland.

Source: Pixabay

Easy to Take Part In

Finding somewhere to go fishing in Ireland isn’t particularly difficult, since the country is filled with rivers and lakes where a great variety of fish can be found. The relatively low requirement for equipment means that just about anyone can start fishing without a lot of expense or delay.

There are more fishing and angling competitions around Ireland than you might think. For example, the Lough Muckno July Festival recently took place over five days, and the field of just 13 anglers showed us that there’s scope for more people taking part in events like this.

The NCFFI is the name of the body that organises events and competitions here, including the All Ireland Cup. The NCFFI All Ireland Championships usually take place on the Sunday before the August bank holiday weekend, and this event has a history stretching back more than six decades.

As for the best places to fish in the country, those taking part in the sport are spoiled for choice. This list suggests that the Great Western Loughs are best for finding wild trout in a magnificent natural setting, while the excellent variety of coastal fishing spots means that virtually nowhere is far from a good destination.

Source: Pixabay

Fishing in Popular Culture

The presence of fishing in popular culture is another factor that suggests that fishing could become a bigger sport than it currently is. Movies about fishing include A River Runs Through It, which was directed by Robert Redford and gave Brad Pitt his first major leading role. It’s a gentle, subtle film that uses fishing as a metaphor for the way that life throws up surprises time after time.

We can also see fishing-based slot games in a new online casino, where Big Bass Bonanza and several spin-off titles can be played. Fishin’ for Gold and Alaskan Fishing are among the other slots, which are divided into categories such as jackpots, Megaways and recent releases. This is one of the many different slot themes that are now popular, with others letting players search for treasure in different parts of the world.

Fishing has also become more prominent on TV in the last few years, with the American series Bassmasters probably the best example. Fishing TV is a digital platform that gives access to fishing-related on-demand content on devices such as smartphones. It has channels like the Carp Channel and the Fly Fishing Channel, and although it might not yet be mainstream the fact that it even exists as a subscription service suggests that the appeal of fishing is growing.

All of these factors show us that fishing has a great deal of potential as a sport in the near future, but there will always be people who simply enjoy it as a hobby instead of fishing on a competitive basis.

The O’Briens Will Bring a Strong Team to Australia

If you follow horse racing, Aidan O’Brien needs little in the way of introductions, nor does his son, Joseph. The father, and later the son, have plundered plenty of the top prizes in racing from around the world, and it’s difficult to see that changing anytime soon.

But the pair both seem to have an eye on the big prizes on offer in Australia in the coming months. With the announcement of entries for the Melbourne Cup 2022, as well as the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup, on Tuesday 2nd August, we got an idea of some of the international trainers’ plans, and the O’Briens were in the thick of it.

The pair have no fewer than 16 entries in the Melbourne Cup alone. Aidan has six, whereas Joseph has ten. To put that in perspective: Only 13 international runners were declared in total at the same time last year. Of course, we should add the caveat that travel was somewhat restricted last year compared to this one (we hope).

Melbourne Cup is in trainers’ sights

Nonetheless, Aussie bookies like Palmerbet have started weighing up the chances of some of the raiders from abroad, and things look quite interesting for the O’Briens. Here’s a breakdown of the nominations for each of the trainers for the Melbourne Cup:

Aidan O’Brien: Aikhal, Bluegrass, Changingoftheguard, Point Londsdale, United Nations, Waterville.

Joseph O’Brien: Baron Samedi, Benaud, Cleveland, Gear Up, Master of Reality, Okita Soushi, Point Gellibrand, Point King, Raise You, Temple of Artemis.

There are some interesting names thrown into the hat there, and you’d fancy some of them – Changingoftheguard, Point Lonsdale, Baron Samedi – to have a decent crack at the $AUD 8 million Melbourne Cup this term.

Of course, all eyes will be on Joseph. The 29-year-old might still be in his father’s shadow when it comes to winning English Classics, but he is seen as a mercurial figure in Australia. Lest we forget, he has trained two Melbourne Cup winners before reaching the age of 28.

State of Rest can achieve the double

Moreover, this only touches upon the O’Briens’ plans for the Australian spring season, and there’s much more than the purse of the Melbourne Cup on offer. State of Rest, Joseph O’Brien’s Cox Plate winner last year, is among the favourites for the 2022 renewal. State of Rest was fantastic when winning the Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, and he might just be the best chance for either O’Brien to come away with one of the big ones in October and November.

There is a long way to go, of course. While both O’Briens will bring strong teams to Australia come what may, we are going to see the entrants fall away in the coming weeks. Weights for the Melbourne Cup will be announced on the 6th September, followed by two rounds of nominations in October. Things will look a little different when, for example, the current list of 186 names declared for the Melbourne Cup is whittled down to 24.

Still, from the looks of it, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see at least one of the O’Briens return from Australia with more spoils to add to their growing list of accolades.

Little Big Bear impresses in Keeneland Phoenix Stakes

Little Big Bear won the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh today for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore. Credit: David Betts.

Little Big Bear gave Aidan O’Brien another winner of the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh this afternoon.

The Group 1 contest over six furlongs, Ireland’s first Group 1 of the season for juveniles, was impressively claimed by the son of No Nay Never as the Camas Park Stud and Summerhill-bred colt ran out a stylish seven-length winner of the race.

O’Brien admitted post-race that Little Big Bear gave them a scare prior to the race when he kicked a wall and the clip of the shoe went into his foot. Vets checked the Coolmore partners-owned colt and allowed the horse to run.

“He has a lot of speed, he’s powerful and he’s strong. Ryan (Moore) said that when he let him go, it was over. He has been progressing lovely from every run. We came here the last day with a view to coming back for this race. Everything had gone very smooth. He loves the ground. It was a very good race.”

The Richard Hannon-trained Persian Force was second while Johnny Murtagh’s Shartash took third. The race favourite, the previously unbeaten Bradsell from Archie Watson’s stable, finished fourth, having lost early ground on leaving the stalls.

Al Riffa (1/2f) took the opening John Ormonde Wexford Sand Irish EBF Maiden for jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle and trainer Joseph O’Brien. Incredibly it was a 1000th winner in his short training career for the Carriganóg-based handler.

Al Riffa, a juvenile son of Wootton Bassett, was runner-up on debut over course and distance on 16 July, behind the well-touted Coolmore partners-owned Hans Andersen.

In Ecstasy brought up a double for Joseph O’Brien when taking the Sheehy Motors Volkswagen Handicap in the hands of Declan McDonagh.

Billy Lee and Paddy Twomey teamed up to win the Loder Irish EBF Fillies race with Shelton (4/1). The daughter of Mehmas only managed a midfield position on her first outing behind Vernet a fortnight ago. This afternoon, the two-year-old chestnut filly was a one and a half length victor over Basil Martini (7/2), from the Joseph O’Brien stable, with 10/1 shot Sweetest Heard third home for Ger Lyons.

The England-based Irish trainer David Loughnane made a successful raid on The Curragh as Go Bears Go (11/4f) got back to winning ways, taking the Group 3 Rathasker Stud Phoenix Sprint Stakes.

Ridden by Rossa Ryan, the son of Kodi Bear was runner-up to Minzaal in a Group 3 at Newbury on his previous start. The three-year-old had a length and a quarter in hand on John Feane’s Ano Syra (12/1), with Sacred Bridge (7/1) from the Ger Lyons yard next best in third.

Cairo (16/5) was an eye-catching runner-up to Wave Machine (5/2f) in the John Ormonde Gallop & Arena Construction Irish EBF Maiden over six furlongs. The winning Wave Machine, handled by Johnny Murtagh, got the better of the debuting son of Quality Road, Cairo, by a head. The pair put a length and a half between themselves and third-placed Mount Ruapehu (28/1).

Gordon Bennett (7/4f) won the Donoghue Marquees Handicap over seven furlongs, while the final race, the AK Bets “Higher Limits, Better Prices” Handicap, went to Big Gossey (15/8f).

Also down at the Dingle Pony racing Kian Tubs McNally rode one of the nicest winners you will ever see.

 

Republic of Ireland Women achieve highest ever FIFA ranking

The Republic of Ireland team huddle. Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile. Photo provided by FAI.

The Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team has moved up to their highest ever position in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings.

Vera Pauw’s side climbed one place up to 26th, which means they are now in the top 16 European teams.

Since Pauw took charge in 2019 the team has moved up six places overall. The Irish manager feels that they can go even higher as the team seeks qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“It is fantastic to see the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team rise up to their highest ever position in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings because this is a reflection of the tremendous work that the players and staff have put in over the years.

“We have been growing together and improving with each game, so while this achievement is brilliant it is only one part of our journey that continues with two hugely important FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers at home to Finland and away to Slovakia in September.

“Everything that we achieve is as a team and that includes our amazing fans, our sponsors and everyone at the FAI. We will continue to work hard to keep climbing those rankings as we aim to qualify for next summer’s World Cup.”

Ireland will take on Finland on Thursday, September 1st in Tallaght Stadium before Travelling to face Slovakia in Senec on Thursday, September 6th.

James Sugrue leads The Vierumäki Finnish Challenge

James Sugrue, pictured above at the recent Irish Challenge, leads after the opening round in Finland, Credit: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images.

Mallow golfer James Sugrue carded a fine seven under par opening round 65 to set the pace at The Vierumäki Finnish Challenge.

The 25-year-old carded six birdies and eagled his final hole to take the outright lead after day one at Vierumäki Resort.

“I drove the ball very well and putted well” the Corkman said. “I think I had eight putts through nine so I one-putted every green and holed out from a bunker, so I didn’t have to use the putter too much on the front nine!”

Sugrue used borrowed clubs

Like a number of his fellow professionals across the men’s and women’s game, Sugrue’s golf clubs were lost in transit but the Irishman managed to secure a loan set from a former DP World Tour player.

“The clubs aren’t mine, I lost my clubs coming here, so I got a set off Mikko Illonen and they are very nice, I might have to hold on to them!

“Just more of the same tomorrow, I’m really comfortable with that driver, every time I tee it up I think it is going to be a good one. We’ll just see where it takes us.”

Three-way tie for second spot

Finland’s Antii Ahokas and Italian’s Fillipo Bergamaschi and Michele Ortolini are in a three way-way tie for second place after the first round after the trio carded six under par rounds of 66.

Ahokas who won twice on the Challenge Tour in 2008 before struggling to maintain consistent form for much of the follow decade gave the leader board a home flavour.

”I haven’t played in front of a crowd for a while, so I was just trying to stay in my own bubble’ he admitted.  It was something I enjoyed but at the same time I focused on my own thing, but obviously it gives you energy.

“Quite a few people here now, this tournament is a couple of weeks earlier than normal, people are still on holidays, it is a warm week.  I think we’ll get some more crowds here, which is fantastic.”

Martin Simonsen of Denmark, ranked tenth in the Road to Mallorca standings, is the pick of a bunch of players one stroke back on five under, with Spaniard, Alejandro Del Rey, the highest ranked player in the field, also well placed after an opening three under par 69.

Irish Showjumping Squad Named for Aga Khan Trophy

The Longines Nations Cup of Ireland for the award of the Aga Khan Perpetual Trophy starts at 3pm.

Irish Show Jumping team manager Michael Blake has announced his Aga Khan squad for the Longines FEI Nations Cup of Ireland at the Dublin Horse Show this month.

The Aga Khan, which takes place on Friday, 9 August 2022, will be Ireland’s fourth and final points-scoring round of the 2022 season in Europe Division 1.

The competition will be broadcast live as part of RTÉ Sport’s coverage of the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS, which runs from August 17th to 21st.

The Irish squad members are as follows:

Wexford’s Bertram Allen
Meath’s Cian O’Connor
Down’s Conor Swail
Cork’s Shane Sweetnam
Tipperary’s Max Wachman

Irish showjumping team manager Michael Blake said:

“We are very much looking forward to the Aga Khan, it is always a very important and special Nations Cup for us, even more so this year as we have missed Dublin Horse Show due to Covid for the last two years. It is always a huge privilege to compete on home soil and I’m very optimistic of a good result with what I believe is a very strong squad.”

Following the Longines FEI Nations Cup of Ireland at the Dublin Horse Show, the top seven teams on the league table will qualify for the Nations Cup final in Barcelona.

The teams who finish in eighth, ninth and tenth places on the table will be relegated to the EEF Series for 2023.

Five teams, (France, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland) will compete for Nations Cup points in Dublin. The USA and Brazil will also compete in Dublin but will not be eligible for points.

Three Former Syracuse Stars to Watch This Coming Season

Since the Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics to capture the team’s sixth NBA Championship, bringing the curtain down on another thrilling season. Players from all the NBA rosters are now enjoying a well-deserved break, but head coaches are already making preparations for the upcoming season, with some of those coaches planning to use some former Syracuse athletes as they mount a charge to become the NBA’s number one team.

 

Most people instantly think of Carmelo Anthony when they consider former Syracuse stars in the NBA. Anthony is now 38 years old and entering the final throws of a long and illustrious career that has seen him named as an NBA All-Star on ten occasions. Amazingly, Anthony still does not have a championship ring, and he probably won’t get one this season if you look at the latest NBA odds from the sites offering online betting in Florida. Anthony could make one final move in his hunt for an NBA title, but which title-chasing team would take him?

 

While Syracuse fans will keep an eye on Anthony, their most famous brother, the following three stars are worth looking out for during the 2022-23 season, as they should see plenty more game time than in previous campaigns.

 

Oshae Brissett

 

Oshae Brissett played two seasons for Syracuse before heading for the 2019 NBA Draft, where he went undrafted. Brissett averaged 14.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game during his first season before averaging 12.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

 

The Toronto Raptors took Brissett under their wing on a two-way contract, but he only featured in 19 games, averaging a mere 7.1 minutes per game. A brief spell with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants ultimately led to Brissett signing a deal with the Indiana Pacers.

 

Brissett’s first season with the Pacers saw him play 21 games, starting 16. He averaged 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds. Last season saw Brissett feature in a career-high 67 games, starting 25 at year’s end. Thanks, in part, to the Pacers’ many trades, Brissett led the team in every single major category, so we fully expect Brissett to shine for the Pacers this coming season.

 

Elijah Hughes

 

Big things are expected of Elijah Hughes, who now finds himself wearing the Portland Trail Blazers uniform. Hughes transferred to Syracuse from East Carolina and had to redshirt a year due to the NCAA transfer rules. Hughes put in a lot of work during his enforced downtime, improving his strength and diet. The hard work paid off, with Hughes finishing his redshirt sophomore season with 13.7 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals.

 

Hughes entered the 2020 NBA Draft, and the New Orleans Pelicans selected him as the 39th overall pick. His draft rights were traded to the Utah Jazz, and he played 18 games during his rookie season.

 

Last season saw Hughes play 36 games (starting four) between the Jazz and the Trailblazers. He averaged 14.6 minutes per game for the latter, hinting that he will get more time on the court this coming campaign.

 

Jerami Grant

Jerami Grant is entering his tenth season as a professional basketball player, doing so with the Detroit Pistons, although Grant has been the subject of much trade speculation. The Pistons have been terrible for the past three seasons and are in full rebuild mode as a result.

 

Grant has been one of the few beacons of light for the struggling Pistons. He averaged 19.2 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, a career-best 2.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks last year. Those figures would likely have been even better had Grant not suffered a thumb injury that required surgery and kept him out of action for six weeks. Would Grant be open to a trade where he could play for a team more likely to challenge for honors? You can bet your bottom dollar he would.

 

Luke Donald named European Ryder Cup Captain

2023 European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald poses for a portrait in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images.

Luke Donald has been named as the European Captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy from September 25 – October 1, 2023.Englishman Donald represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times as a player, being part of a winning team on all four occasions, including in 2012 when he led Team Europe out in the Singles, securing the first blue point on the board in the ‘Miracle at Medinah’. He also has served as a Vice Captain in the last two editions of the biennial contest, under Thomas Bjørn in 2018 and Pádraig Harrington last year.The 44 year old impressive individual playing career includes holding the position of Number One on the Official World Golf Rankings for a total of 56 weeks. In 2011 he became the first player in history to top the money lists on the European Tour (now the DP World Tour) and the PGA TOUR in the same year. Donald said: “I am incredibly proud to be named European Ryder Cup Captain for 2023. It is truly one of the greatest honours that can be bestowed upon a golfer, to lead a team of your peers and be an ambassador for an entire continent. “I feel extremely privileged to have been given that responsibility and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly. “Some of my best experiences in golf have been in the Ryder Cup and I would not swap those for anything. It is an event like no other and I cannot wait to create more special memories in Italy next year. “I love everything the Ryder Cup embodies, from the camaraderie and companionship of being part of a team, to the history of the contest, but most of all playing for something bigger than yourself. “Rome will be a fantastic host city, and I have always enjoyed spending time there. It is a city rich in history and hopefully we can create some of our own in 14 months’ time.”

Vice Captains

Donald has wasted little time in ensuring continuity in the key backroom area of Team Europe, confirming that both existing Vice Captains – Thomas Bjørn and Edoardo Molinari – will continue in their respective positions.“In my opinion, it was essential that Thomas and Edoardo remained part of the team. They were the first two calls I made once I got the nod to be Captain and I’m delighted that they are fully on-board.“Nobody needs any explanation of how important Thomas is to the Ryder Cup – one glance at the history books will show you that. He has lived and breathed European golf for the past 30 years and having his know-how behind me, not least as a winning Captain, will be vital.“Furthermore, Edoardo has blazed an impressive trail for himself in the world of stats and his knowledge in this area with the players who will be on the team, in addition to extra-special Italian element he will bring to the entire occasion, is an extra bonus for Team Europe.”

Donald’s Ryder Cup Record

Donald boasts a formidable playing record in the Ryder Cup, contributing 10½ points from his 15 matches. He made his debut as part of Bernhard Langer’s record-breaking team at Oakland Hills Country Club in 2004, halving his opening match with Paul McGinley against Chris Riley and Stewart Cink, before teaming up with Sergio Garcia in the foursomes to defeat Cink and Kenny Perry 2&1 on the Friday, followed by a 1 up Foursomes victory with Garcia against Jim Furyk and Fred Funk on the Saturday.  Donald claimed a maximum three points from his three matches at The K Club in 2006 under the captaincy of Ian Woosnam as Europe retained the Ryder Cup with a second consecutive 18½-9½ victory. He once again teamed up with Garcia in the Foursomes, defeating Tiger Woods and Furyk 2 up on the Friday, then Phil Mickelson and David Toms 2&1 on the Saturday, before exacting revenge on Chad Campbell for his loss in the Singles two years earlier with a 2&1 victory. His next appearance came at The Celtic Manor Resort in 2010 when he contributed a further three points from his four matches, partnering Ian Poulter to defeat Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton 2&1 in Foursomes, before teaming up with Lee Westwood to beat Steve Stricker and Woods 6&5 in the same format. Donald then defeated Furyk on the final hole of their Singles match as Europe claimed a memorable 14½-13½ win in Wales. Donald was also an integral part of another dramatic European victory two years later in Illinois, the State where he studied at Northwestern University. Partnering Garcia in the Saturday afternoon Fourballs against Woods and Stricker, his stunning tee shot inside Woods’ on the elevated par three 17th hole was a pivotal moment in the Miracle at Medinah, as the pair went on to win their match on the final hole, shortly before Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy reduced the deficit to four points with their victory against Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner. Captain José María Olazábal then handed Donald the responsibility of leading Europe out in the Sunday Singles against Bubba Watson, and Donald duly set the tone for one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the Ryder Cup, winning his match 2&1. Donald had entered the record books of his own accord a year previously when in 2011 he became the first player to top the season-long money lists on both sides of the Atlantic, winning the Player of the Year award on the PGA TOUR and Golfer of the Year in Europe in the process. His four victories that season included the WGC-Accenture Match Play, defeating Ryder Cup teammate Martin Kaymer in the final to reach World Number One for the first time. He also won the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, a title he successfully defended in 2012 to take his total of victories on the DP World Tour to seven. Donald returned to the Ryder Cup arena in 2018 when he was selected as a Vice Captain by Thomas Bjørn at Le Golf National in Paris, a role he also performed last year at Whistling Straits under Pádraig Harrington.

Does Ireland Rugby’s Summer Series Win Affect Your Bets In The Autumn

Ireland’s rugby team made history in July by taking the summer series in New Zealand. Irish won two consecutive games against the All Blacks, which no one has done since 1998.

Heading into the summer series test, Ireland had won 12 of the last 13 matches and had great success against New Zealand recently. However, two wins in New Zealand were not expected for Andy Farrell’s men.

Two out of three matches for the top of the rankings

After New Zealand dominated the first match in Auckland, Ireland stunned the host in the second game in Dunedin. On a historic night, guests won 32-12, the first ever Ireland win in New Zealand. Andrew Porter had two crucial tries that created a surprise.

The last test of the series was in Wellington. Despite New Zealand players’ proclamations before the match, Ireland utterly dominated the first half, winning 23-3 with tries from van der Flier, Keenan and Henshaw. All Blacks responded in the second half, but a match-winning try came in the 64th minute by Rob Herring.

Not only did Ireland win the first ever match in New Zealand, it had done it twice a week, sending All Blacks to new lows ahead of Rugby World Cup next year in France.

Meanwhile, Ireland is now at the top of the world rankings with unbelievable wins. They partially avenged the quarter-final loss from the last World Cup when New Zealand crushed them.

Waiting for Autumn series with iGaming

Irish fans can savour the huge summer win and look at their team at the top of the rankings. How will these wins affect your bet in the autumn? It’s hard to run away from the prohibitive favourite status in games to come. You can already place a bet for the three matches in Autumn Nations Series. However, perhaps it’s better to wait until November for those bets and try some casino games in the meanwhile. You can find these replacements in the definite guide to new live dealer casinos. Let your autumn matches pick mature a little.

Australia, Fiji and South Africa

The autumn campaign starts against current world champions, South Africa. However, the last match between the two sides could be deceiving. In 2017 Ireland crushed the Boks 38-3. However, South Africans won their third World Cup in 2019 and won a series against England and Northern Ireland.

Ireland is also not the same team from the World Cup in 2019. However, the recent matches and rankings show they are at the top of the global ranking, and it will be a clash of two highly competitive sides on November 5th at Aviva stadium. To make things more interesting, South Africa will be in the same group as Ireland at the upcoming World Cup next year.

The second opponent coming to Ireland in autumn is Fiji. Two sides also played the last game in 2017, when the Irish won 23-20. Finally, the Nation series will end with a clash against Australia on November 18th in Dublin. The last time these two played, Ireland won the series in Australia 2-1 in 2018.

Still no World Cup favourites

Ireland still doesn’t have a World Cup trophy, and three autumn games are a great test before the following year. While you can be optimistic for the autumn series after the incredible win at New Zealand, sportsbooks still don’t have Ireland among the favourites to win the World Cup.

Although Ireland leads world rankings, bookmakers see hosts France as a clear-cut favourite to win the most prestigious competition in rugby. Despite turmoil inside of a team culminating in substituting team captain Sam Cane at 65 minutes against Ireland, New Zealand is still the second favourite to win the World Cup, according to bookmakers. All Blacks have all sorts of issues, including coaching woes.

Meanwhile, summer series winners in Ireland and England have 5-1 odds to win the World Cup and are tied on the sportsbooks list. Ireland had a Grand Slam in Six Nations six years ago and has had one Triple Crown since. However, under the new coach Andy Farrell, Ireland won historical series in New Zealand, continuing the recent win total. England also won the summer series but was not in such a flashy fashion.

Ireland will now focus on the autumn matches, and you should try not to get too high after a sensational night in Wellington. Irish rugby is in a good spot, and if there is any chance of winning a World Cup, this is the best chance so far. So many talented generations of Irish rugby players missed out on the biggest stage, and after the historic win against the All Blacks in New Zealand, maybe the tide will turn for the World Cup.

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