IF IRISH nerves were jangling after the very disappointing August warm-up phase, the performances of underdogs Tonga, Japan and Romania against the technically superior outfits of New Zealand, France and Scotland in their opening World Cup contests on Saturday had the squad on red alert.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has played down talk of personal rivalry between himself and his predecessor, new USA coach Eddie O’Sullivan, ahead of their sides’ meeting in Santa Clara, California tomorrow.

Eddie O’Sullivan has named a squad split between youth and experience for his first Test as USA Eagles head coach later this month.