Make or break Down Under

THE thousands of Irish who made their way to the Melbourne Cup today can enjoy a welcome breather from the Rugby World Cup.

But not so the Irish squad that has qualified to meet France in the quarter-finals in the Telstra Dome on Sunday.

Whatever about last week when Eddie O’Sullivan hinted that he might rest a few key men for the Australian game, there can be no doubt where his intentions lie on this occasion. The knock-out stages have arrived. If we beat France, we are here for the duration of the tournament. If we lose, we’re on the plane home on Monday.