Now is the time to see what this Ireland team can muster

However one-sided this World Cup match-up between Ireland and Canada appears there will be plenty to occupy Joe Schmidt’s thoughts during today’s Pool D opening encounter.

Respect is being properly paid to the Canadians, led by Clermont’s powerhouse lock Jamie Cudmore and coached by former All Black Kieran Crowley, and their counter-attacking threats in Wales-based wings Jeff Hassler and DTH van der Merwe duly noted.

Yet this is a game Ireland can and should win handily and having lost the last two pre-tournament Tests against Wales and England, Schmidt will be seeking a more cohesive, less error-ridden performance from his charges than they put in at both the Aviva Stadium and Twickenham.