Cullen sizes up World Cup contenders

Ireland’s win over Italy at the weekend told us little about the eventual destination of the Webb Ellis trophy this year – for that you had to look to the other side of the world.

Not long before Carlo Canna kicked off at Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Michael Cheika’s Australia shook the sport with a comprehensive victory over New Zealand in Perth’s stunning Optus stadium, a record win by the Wallabies over the All Blacks.