Players feel the benefit of slow start

GORDON D’ARCY and Cian Healy arrive at Ireland’s World Cup base today having missed a gentle introduction to the pre-tournament camp ahead of this weekend’s Pool C opening game against the USA.

The Ireland management have opted for a softly, softly approach to training as the 28 players that flew out last Tuesday and arrived in Queenstown on Thursday attempted to get over the jet lag and fatigue that accompanied their arduous journey from Dublin.

D’Arcy and Healy left Ireland on Saturday having been kept at home to allow their respective calf and eye socket injuries to heal but they will have to undergo a further medical assessment on arrival and it is doubtful whether the pair would be involved in the first big full-contact training session scheduled for tomorrow.