Excitement is rising. The Rugby World Cup kicks off in just nine days with hosts England up against dark horses Fiji in Pool A, on the opening Friday night.
That means that everyone's attentions are on the tournament in England, and South Africa's SuperSport channel previewed each pool to see how the competition should shape out.
It's reassuring to hear that despite Ireland's uncharacteristic showing last Saturday, that they are still viewed as favourites to win Pool D. The South Africa analysts have a lot of kind words to say about Joe Schmidt's team with phrases like "Ireland - they've been absolutely phenomenal."
They do rely on some stereotypes in previewing the rest of the group, with bingo phrases like - "You never know what you are going to get from France", and of Italy "the dark horses in the group".
Ireland are predicted to win the pool and face the Argentines in the quarter finals. Then "Ireland will meet Australia in the semi-finals and that will be the end of the road for them".
But it's the key player in the pool that holds the most interest. Ireland's outhalf Johnny Sexton is seen as THE man for us - with announcements that he's been "amazing" in the last 18 months. Just how important to they think Sexton is to Ireland?
Arguably, the best flyhalf in the world - If he fights at this World Cup, Ireland can go to the semi-finals and final.
Long story short, while our expectations have been dampened after last weekend - we still have a good team, and the rest of the world is wary. Ireland kick off their tournament in ten days time against Canada in the Millenium Stadium.
See Also: Gerry Thornley Has Made A Big Claim About Conor Murray And Johnny Sexton
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
