Ronan O’Gara implored Ireland to maintain the momentum they have established with three successive World Cup victories by beating Italy next weekend.

The dust had barely settled on Ireland’s 62-12 demolition of Russia before Declan Kidney turned his attention to next Sunday’s critical World Cup clash with Italy.

Stand-in captain Leo Cullen admitted Russia posed Ireland “a lot of problems” despite the wide margin of their 62-12 World Cup Pool C win.

Ireland 62 Russia 12

Ireland 36 Russia 0

Paddy Wallace may have been forced to wait until his third World Cup for his tournament debut for Ireland, but the centre never allowed his head to drop.

Tim Horan is adamant that the source behind his claim of Irish subterfuge at Eden Park last Saturday is Ireland backs coach Alan Gaffney.

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.

Leo Cullen will lead Ireland’s second string into World Cup battle against Russia demanding they match the standard set during Saturday’s victory over Australia.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has rested some senior players for Sunday’s Pool C clash against Russia.

Shane Jennings has told his Ireland team-mates to back up their stunning victory over Australia by challenging for silverware at this World Cup.

Ireland’s World Cup Pool C clash with Russia at Rotorua International Stadium in the Bay of Plenty this Sunday is set to a be a 26,000 sell-out following the thrilling 15-6 victory over Australia in Auckland last Saturday.

Fiji 49 Namibia 25

JOHNE MURPHY wasn’t prepared for his Ireland call-up for this tour to New Zealand and Australia.

WITH their backs against the wall in the Maori’s backyard, Ireland will look to restore some semblance of pride in Rotorua tomorrow morning.

IT’S likely Declan Kidney was always going to use Friday’s first ever clash with the Maori to blood some of Ireland’s fringe players.

Long-serving full-back Geordan Murphy will captain Ireland against New Zealand Maori in the centenary fixture at Rotorua International Stadium on Friday evening.

LIONS’ coaches, players and even a former All Black have reacted strongly in support of Ronan O’Gara following some poisonous criticism of the out-half’s performance against Bay Of Plenty.

The Lions think-tank is expecting a full-on, up-front challenge from provincial side Bay of Plenty when they begin their 2005 tour of New Zealand at the Rotorua International Stadium tomorrow (8.10am).

Bay of Plenty Steamers captain Wayne Ormond has vowed his team will front up against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

RUGBY greats Jeremy Guscott, Keith Wood, Ian McGeechan and Scott Gibbs were honoured with the presentation of Parliamentary Rugby Medals at a dinner at the House of Commons last night.

Almost 22,000 tickets for the British and Irish Lions tour opener against Bay of Plenty next June have been snapped up by New Zealand rugby fans.

The British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in the summer of 2005 will consist of 10 matches, including a three-Test series against the All Blacks.