Pool B heavyweight clash could be a precursor to the final

Hard to believe four years have elapsed since Ireland’s painful World Cup quarter final exit at the hands of Argentina in Cardiff. As Joe Schmidt enters the twilight of his spectacularly successful reign at the helm of Irish rugby, the next six weeks will shape the epilogue of a brilliant period for Irish rugby.

With a spectacular opening ceremony tonight and the first match of a 48-game program with Ireland’s Pool A opponents Japan and Russia, part of me will take my place in the television commentary bay wondering 'What if?'