Ireland will take on France at flair game, says Simon Zebo

Ireland are ready to fight flair with flair to beat France and avoid defending champions New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-finals, according to Simon Zebo.

Munster flyer Zebo has admitted he faces a dogfight to retain a starting place against his “second country” France in Cardiff on Sunday, with fit-again Rob Kearney likely to return at full-back.

Jared Payne was expected to train fully yesterday and therefore contest selection for Sunday’s Pool D decider, the centre apparently winning his battle against a heavily-bruised foot.