There can be few more satisfying experiences for a replacement than coming off the bench and making an immediate impact and Ireland’s Dave Kilcoyne did just that last Sunday as he played his part in the hammering of the Scottish pack.

Social media scrum as Ireland kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign

Ireland’s Rugby World Cup ambitions appear to have hit a speed bump before the opening game with fears over the fitness of Robbie Henshaw.

Ireland fly out to Japan today with their World Cup ambitions back on an even keel after the destabilising defeat in Twickenham, but Eddie O’Sullivan believes the squad have not left all their issues behind them.

John Barclay says Ireland won’t know what hit them when they face Scotland in the World Cup opener — because Gregor Townsend’s own players don’t know what’s coming.