Doris found conditions difficult in the stifling heat in Bordeaux

OVERHEATING MASSIVELY: Caelan Doris found the heat in Bordeaux difficult to play in especially with his scrum cap. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

As increasingly difficult as Ireland’s path through this World Cup is going to get in the coming days and weeks, there will be little remorse for the loss of afternoon kick-offs in their pool schedule.

The heatwave that struck France in the past two weeks appears to be at end as Ireland begin preparations for this Saturday’s Pool B clash with Tonga, set for a 9pm (8pm Irish time) kick off at Nantes’ Stade de la Beaujoire. Temperatures are set to fall below 30C and that will be welcomed at Ireland’s training centre in Tours this week following an opening match which kicked off in 36C heat.