All or nothing for eager Wood

EDDIE O’Sullivan has shown his hand and Ireland’s preparation for Sunday’s quarter-final of the World Cup against France in the Telstra

Dome is well under way. As far as their vastly experienced captain, Keith Wood, is concerned, it’s just another huge match to which the side is no stranger, and for which they are very much ready. There was a time when Ireland wouldn’t beat France even if they put a world XV on the pitch. In more recent times, they have done a whole lot better and have indeed won three of the last four meetings between the sides.

“At times, we have played very well against them. At times, France have played badly. At other times, both have played well and we have come away at the end. The sides are very close in ability.”