Time to make case for the offence

BY this time next week the guessing games will be over as Declan Kidney will have announced his final squad of 30 players entrusted with the responsibility of representing Ireland at the World Cup.

It is a seminal moment in the career of any player; however decorated he may be, as opportunities like this come about on precious few occasions in the lifespan of a professional player.

Take the example of Gavin Henson. For one reason or another he missed out on the chance to represent Wales at the 2003 and 2007 World Cups and still felt that pain despite the other distractions in his life.