I have a limited knowledege of Rugby. I watch some of the internationals and the occasional European game. I was actually in Landsdowne Road when Ulster won the Heineken Cup In 1999. But I am far from being well versed on the finer points of the scrum, line out and other such vital matters. Having said all that, it’s World Cup time.

Game on.

Ireland enter the 2019 World Cup as the number one ranked team in the world. For me this is a meaningless statistic. The only thing’s that matter are Ireland progressing past the quarter final stage for the first time ever and of course the team that is in the lead when the final whistle blows on Novembe 2.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt thus far has done a great job with the team. Grand slam winners 2018. First ever victories over the All Black’s. Fingers are crossed. Toes are bent backward’s. Every hair on my curly head has been straightened. We can do it.

Hosts Japan kick off the tournament against Russia. They’re expected to win. They fulfill expectations.

Australia overcome Fiji, France scrape past Argentina, the All Blacks get the better of the Springboks.

And then It’s our turn. We’re up against the Scots. All the Irish analysts reckon we’ll do the business. But then they would say that, wouldn’t they?

Game kicks off and Irish tv viewers somehow lose their commentators. It’s over to the BBC lads. What’s going on? Did my tv change channels by itself? The Irish lads return, all is well. Technical difficulties.

Ireland take an early lead and go on to dominate the game. They give every impression of being a team who have arrived in top shape. Physically and mentally.

Can we make the semi-final? Yes.

Can we win the tournament. Yes.

Am I losing the run of myself? Probably.

In Joe I trust.