Ireland, the world's top ranked team, begins its quest for a first World Cup triumph against the presumed Group B makeweights Romania during the first full day of action at the 2023 rugby union World Cup.
The tournament enjoyed a spectacular launch on Friday night with the Group A clash between the hosts France and three-time champions New Zealand.
In front of 80,000 frenzied fans at the Stade de France, the local heros absorbed the shock of conceding a second-minute try to overpower and exhaust their adversarires 27-13.
The result is likely to determine the one-two finish in Group A and potentially who Irleland will face should they progress from Group B .
However, before Ireland kick off their camapign at the Matmut Atlantique just outside Bordeaux, in the early afternoon in Saint-Etienne, Italy and Namibia play their opening game in Group A.
Ireland's players have been bracketed among the favourites for the Webb Ellis trophy on the back of a 13-match unbeaten streak since July 2022.
Ireland’s World Cup campaign will be judged further down the line, but getting off to a fast start can lay down a mark on the competition, writes @neil_treacy #RWC2023 #IREvROM https://t.co/hfTk3ZAsy0
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 9, 2023
Irish surge
The run has catapulted them to the top of the rankings and furnished them with the 2023 European Six Nations title.
"It's a big challenge for us in the toughest pool," said Romania's assistant coach Valentin Ursache.
"It's a good challenge and we're happy to be here. We want to have a good tournament and to show that tier two nations such as ourselves can play rugby."
Scotland and defending champions South Africa also feature in Group B which has been dubbed the Group of Death.
"Teams are going to be at their very best and now that we're world number one, we've got a big target on our back," said Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony.
Hopeful England
"So every team you play are going to be at their best to try to knock you over. It has been a good reminder for us over the last few weeks that we need to be all over things from minute one to minute 80."
Ireland and Romania will be followed by the first game in Group C between Australia and Georgia and the day's action culminates with the first match in Group D featuring England and Argentina.
Ready for action 🌹#ENGvARG | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/zOmxuUQyKQ
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) September 8, 2023
England, who were beaten in the final in 2019, have plummeted since that disappointment.
During the 2023 Six Nations tournament they suffered a record loss to France and have managed only three wins from their nine games in 2023.
"This squad is incredibly tight and determined," said England's forwards coach Richard Wigglesworth just before the game against Argentina.
"That has always been there. There's expectation that Argentina maybe go in as favourites but it makes no difference to us. We are incredibly determined to show the absolute best of us."
