Last chance for hopefuls as Ireland strive for greater cohesion

The RWC opener against Romania is just 14 days away and the hours that follow Saturday evening’s Test match will contain either the best news a player can ever hear, or the worst

IN THE MIX: Joe McCarthy during an Ireland rugby captain's run at Parc des Sports Jean Dauger in Bayonne, France. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Ireland’s players will need little motivating to put their best foot forward at Stade Jean Dauger Saturday night when they close out their summer schedule against Samoa.

A World Cup pool opener against Romania is just 14 days away and the hours that follow Saturday evening’s Test match in Bayonne will contain either the best news a player can ever hear, or the worst.