Of all the teams in the Rugby World Cup, it's Ireland who have underachieved more than any other nation. Five times they've reached the quarter-finals, and five times they've gone out. But is all that about to change? Under their Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt, they've won back-to-back Six Nations Championships and must now rank as one of the most difficult teams to beat in world rugby.
Sure, they may not be the most scintillating side to watch, but what they do they do with brutal and ruthless efficiency. A strong showing is guaranteed.
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Star man: Johnny Sexton
Not since the heady days of Ronan O'Gara has there been an Irish boot quite as reliable as Sexton's. While it's a cause for concern that they're quite so reliant on the fly-half's boots, as long as it's him that's doing the kicking Ireland are always going to be in with a chance of winning.
One to watch: Robbie Henshaw
He'll still only be 22 when the Rugby World Cup gets under way, but Henshaw is already earmarked as one of Ireland's key players. Comfortable at centre or fullback, he scored his first try for his country against England in this year's Six Nations Championship.
Coach: Joe Schmidt
The Kiwi coach has been credited with transforming Ireland from perennial underachievers to one of the toughest teams around. Previously a coach with Leinster, he took the Irish provincial side to six finals in his three years, winning four trophies, and in 2015 he guided Ireland to the Six Nations title.
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