Big names return for Ireland

EDDIE O’Sullivan’s desire to get as many front-liners into action this week has resulted in the Ireland coach picking a host of big names for the second of three Rugby World Cup warm-ups against French Top 14 side Bayonne at the Stade Jean Dauger tonight (kick off 8pm Irish time).

O’Sullivan had hinted at mixing and matching for this game but after the inept and listless start to Ireland’s Cup countdown in Murrayfield last weekend, team morale is in need of a tonic and nothing other than a big win achieved in style will suffice. After all, aren’t the Irish being talked up as one of the World Cup favourites?

The untouchables take their pre-World Cup bow with O’Sullivan making 12 changes from the Scotland match with only captain Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell and Neil Best being retained.