Ireland take on world champions

Ireland will take on world champions New Zealand in the quarter-final of RWC on Saturday next. Following a hugely improved display that featured a welcome first start in Japan by Robbie Henshaw in their comprehensive pool win over Samoa, Ireland secured their quarter-finals berth. With Japan winning their group, Ireland now square up to the All Blacks (the preferred opposition for this scribe as mentioned in this column some weeks ago!). It will take a massive, sustained effort for the men in green to knock NZ off their perch but on their day it is something they are well capable of. Here’s hoping that they can do it and that one or two Buccaneers guys will contribute! There should be a great buzz in The Bounty where you can watch all the quarter-finals and enjoy the special atmosphere. A feast of rugby awaits!

Quarter-finals fixtures:

England v Australia Saturday Kick off 8.15 a.m.

New Zealand v Ireland Saturday Kick off 11.15 a.m.

Wales v France Sunday Kick off 8.15 a.m.

Japan v South Africa Sunday Kick off 11.15 a.m.