Joe Schmidt touches down

Having watched the opening two games from a distance, Irish coach Joe Schmidt is due in Georgia today to run the rule over remaining candidates for Ireland’s World Cup campaign.

The final match was meant to be just that – a final – and a climax against their toughest opponents. But the failure of a second-string Georgia to even collect a losing bonus in their surprise defeat at the hands of Emerging Italy on Wednesday night means Ireland have already won the tournament before tomorrow’s kick-off.

“Joe has been fantastic. He was with us in camp in Dublin before we left, he led in terms of selection, engaging with the provincial coaches, including myself, so he is very closely connected with this [squad].