Players know what’s needed, says Tommy Bowe

Paddy Jackson has played a minor role so far in Ireland’s World Cup campaign, but the Ulster out-half seems like just the guy to have around, especially as Ireland delve deep into their fourth straight month together.

On Thursday, he popped into a Cardiff store with Tommy Bowe to pass a few more interminable minutes when Avengers costumes caught their eyes. Minutes later and they were taking snaps: Jackson dressed as Ironman and Bowe as Captain America.

“Yeah, it was good craic,” said Bowe with a light chuckle yesterday afternoon. “I don’t know if I’m too keen on Captain America, personally. Paddy was looking for a Spiderman outfit, but I think they were all sold out.”