PUBLICANS in New Plymouth have confirmed a record-breaking night after Ireland’s opening Rugby World Cup game.

Ireland may have made a faltering start to the World Cup but manager Paul McNaughton insists they still have the capacity to stun Australia.

FITNESS doubt Sean O’Brien declared himself ready to play in Ireland’s World Cup opening fixture this Sunday against the USA.

UNFAILINGLY first to any party, Irish fans haven’t failed to live up to their billing when it comes to the Rugby World Cup. In the long line for tickets for the greatest show in Test rugby, it seems we’re well ahead of the rest.

THE All Blacks have vowed to repay fans with an entertaining style of rugby against Ireland after they were mobbed for a second straight day in Taranaki.

AS one of the surviving Lions contingent in the Ireland squad that arrived here in Auckland yesterday, David Wallace should be on his last legs.

FOR a banged-up, beaten-down bunch supposed to be staring down a third defeat on the bounce, the mood in the Ireland camp yesterday was, like the winter sun that shone through Auckland: surprising.

Ireland management says the decision not to spend the entire build-up to Saturday’s Test against New Zealand in New Plymouth was primarily based on player welfare.

A decision on whether Jerry Flannery and Shane Horgan will join the Ireland squad in New Zealand is expected to be made tomorrow.

NOT long ago, the chances of John Muldoon, Niall Ronan or Chris Henry wearing the number six jersey on the Irish team against either New Zealand or Australia would have been fairly remote.

IF rugby matches were played on paper, few would give the Irish team much of a chance against the Barbarians in tonight’s game at Thomond Park.

IRISH officials will take charge of several key international rugby tests this summer.

WELLINGTON prop Jacob Ellison looks set for a long spell on the sidelines after dislocating his elbow during Friday’s 64-7 win against Counties-Manukau.

Port workers in New Zealand are trying to organise a mid-ocean transfer after their cat stowed away on a ship.