In the third of the provincial season previews, our rugby correspondent, Daniel Pitcher offers an insight into Leinster. His final preview comes tomorrow when he looks at Munster.

New Zealand 24 France 9

Nkosi sikalel’ iAfrika, which we heard in Dublin six days ago, is basically two songs mingled to make up South Africa’s beautiful national anthem and its status as a unifying number for the Rainbow Nation is confirmed by the five languages used in its delivery.

All Black number eight Kieran Read has dismissed the notion Ireland will be easy pickings for New Zealand in this month’s three-test series.

International wing Tommy Bowe who will return to play in Ireland with Ulster next season until 2015.

THEY’VE been labelled the “Irish foreign legion”, “the Celtic Convoy” and the “Green Army”, amongst other things, but one thing is certain — the Irish arrived on Kiwi shores to support Ireland in their droves.

Wales look set to be without three key players for their potential make-or-break World Cup clash against Fiji next week.

IRELAND get back on the bike tomorrow against Russia (6am) and need to keep pedalling as furiously as they did at Eden Park last weekend if they are to make the most of that famous victory over Australia.

THE Samoan with the unpronounceable double-barreled name called it ‘slavery’ and duly gave the World Cup organisers both barrels.

Wales flanker Dan Lydiate is battling around the clock to recover from injury and put himself back in World Cup contention.

Wales are set to reassess their injury situation after next Monday’s World Cup Pool D clash against Namibia in New Plymouth.

FOLLOWING Mike Ross into the number three jersey after such a heroic effort against Australia may be a hard act to follow but Tony Buckley would be delighted to get the opportunity.

FAILING to reach the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals having achieved the biggest win in Ireland’s history would be “criminal”, according to the country’s assistant coach Alan Gaffney.

Munster and Irish lock Donncha O’Callaghan believes that having beaten one of the tournament favourites, the challenge for Ireland is to keep that level of performance for their remaining games.

SATURDAY’s epic World Cup victory over Australia was kindled over a week of strong words and significant acts in the Ireland camp.

SEAN O’BRIEN is ready for the true litmus test tomorrow, the game which will tell us exactly where Ireland are and how far they can go in this Rugby World Cup.

UNITED STATES captain Todd Clever admitted he was a nervous man after his side held off a late Russian rally to win their Pool C encounter 13-6 in New Plymouth.

Russia 6 USA 13

IRELAND captain Brian O’Driscoll has urged his players to recapture the intensity that helped end England’s Grand Slam dream earlier this year for their World Cup Pool C showdown against Australia on Saturday.

FROM dealing with American speedster Takudzwa Ngwenya to lining up against Australia’s all star backline, Keith Earls is certainly getting his hands dirty in his debut World Cup.

Gordon D’Arcy refuses to be in thrall to Australia, claiming belief is the key to Ireland defying expectations at Eden Park on Saturday.

Russia technical director Kingsley Jones believes the Bears can emerge victorious from their first ever World Cup finals match – if they can secure set-piece possession against the United States in New Plymouth.

DECLAN KIDNEY has welcomed back his big guns from injury for Ireland’s pivotal World Cup Pool C clash with Australia this Saturday, and also reunited Leinster out-halves Eoin Reddan and Jonny Sexton.

IRELAND backs coach Alan Gaffney is confident his backline can cut out the mistakes that blighted the performance against the USA and come out battling in the Pool C showdown with Australia on Saturday.

RUSSIA make their World Cup debut against the US tomorrow knowing they must capitalise on their moment in the spotlight.

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

Russia make their World Cup debut against the United States on Thursday knowing they must capitalise on their moment in the spotlight.

IRELAND forwards coach Gert Smal has issued a “Stop Pocock” order to his pack as he bids to clean up a problematic breakdown and counter Australia’s back-row menace.

JONATHAN SEXTON’S wayward kicking display against the USA last Sunday has been dismissed as a blip by the man who works on that aspect of his game on a weekly basis.

DECLAN KIDNEY hasconsistently maintained Ireland haven’t become a bad team since that memorable day last March when they played England off the Aviva Stadium pitch in the last match of the Six Nations.

IRELAND’S preparations for Saturday’s showdown with Pool C favourites Australia have been boosted by the return to fitness of prop Cian Healy.

A MOTHER in Malaysia greeted her dead son. People in Manila left roses for the victim who helped give them homes.

AMONG the numerous fixes needed in Ireland’s play this week as the team flies to Auckland today ahead of Saturday’s clash with Australia is some wet-weather training with the new Rugby World Cup ball.

MAYBE this is the way that all opening games go for Ireland but it does not make them any easier to swallow.

DECLAN KIDNEY and his assistant coaches are in for a busy week on the training field as they try to correct the many defects in Ireland’s play ahead of the pivotal Pool C clash with Australia next Saturday.

Brian O'Driscoll admitted Ireland would have to improve considerably after they edged to a 22-10 win over the United States in their opening game of the Rugby World Cup in New Plymouth this morning.

Ireland 22 USA 10

Ireland reported no injury concerns from their captain’s run at Yarrow Stadium today.

ABSOLUTELY sensational — and that was just the opening ceremony.

THERE will be no greater inspiration for the United States Eagles against Ireland in New Plymouth tomorrow than a couple of fellow players who never made it home on September 11, 2001.

IRELAND scrum coach Greg Feek was set to turn full circle today when the Ireland squad pitches up at New Plymouth Boys’ High School for their final training session before Sunday’s World Cup opener against the USA.

IRELAND will join their American opponents on Sunday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks before both sides aim to get their Rugby World Cup campaigns off to a winning start at Stadium Taranaki.

Choosing the right location for a team base is fraught with difficulties. Declan Kidney’s choice for his charges has appeared to have been an inspired choice.

Enjoyment has been made a priority as Ireland attempt to avoid a repeat of their 2007 World Cup debacle.