Rugby World Cup 2023 is rapidly approaching, with just under two weeks until the opening game. Rugby.com.au examines every team's chances in France, looking at Japan.
Ireland will recognise this is their best chance to break through for their first World Cup title.
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The Irish have never made it past the quarter-finals, often building an impressive resume leading into the World Cup before stumbling along the way.
This was evident in 2019 with their loss to Japan, however, it feels like a new era under Andy Farrell.
The top-ranked side in the world has largely swept through their competition over the past 12 months and will ride that confidence into a difficult Pool.
Finished second in their 2019 RWC Pool
Ireland are the form team in World Rugby over the last 12-18 months.
They established themselves as the top team in the World with a 2-1 series win over the All Blacks, backed up with wins over South Africa, Australia and Fiji.
This was followed by a clean sweep of the Six Nations, claiming the Grand Slam for the fourth time in history.
The Irish has since beaten Italy, England and Samoa to continue their unbeaten 2023 campaign.
Veteran prop Cian Healy has been left out of Ireland's 33-man squad for the Rugby World Cup in France due to injury.
Munster loosehead Jeremy Loughman has taken Healy's place.
Ulster pair Jacob Stockdale and Tom Stewart and Connacht's Cian Prendergast have been left out by Andy Farrell.
Backs: Bundee Aki, Ross Byrne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Keith Earls, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Jimmy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Johnny Sexton (c)
Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Jeremy Loughman, Joe McCarthy, Peter O'Mahony, Tom O'Toole, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Josh van der Flier
There’s no one better in the world currently than flanker Josh van der Flier.
The 30-year-old spearheaded Ireland to top in the world, named World Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2022.
There have been some legendary flankers in the 21st century, with van der Flier able to add his name among the greats if he can power the Irish to a maiden title.
Mack Hansen has been a revelation since making the decision to depart the Brumbies.
Hansen sought out a new opportunity and it’s paid off, instantly selected in the Ireland squad for the 2022 Six Nations.
He has since become an integral part of their back three, already scoring seven tries in just 15 Tests.
Played: 40
Wins: 24
Loses: 16
Best Finish: Quarter Finals (seven times)
2019: Quarter Final
2015: Quarter Final
2011: Quarter Final
2007: Group Stages
2003: Quarter Final
Up there with France-New Zealand as the match of the pool stages as the defending champions take on the number one ranked side in the world.
The Irish held on in the end in 2022, with a late Johnny Sexton penalty giving them a 19-16 victory.
There’s a lot of doubt about the title credentials of Ireland given their history. A win over the South Africans dispels any doubts.
Sat Sep 9 (11:30 PM): Ireland v Romania, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
Sun Sep 17 (5:00 AM): Ireland v Tonga, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
Sun Sep 24 (5:00 AM): South Africa v Ireland, Stade de France, Paris
Sun Oct 8 (6:00 AM): Ireland v Scotland, Stade de France, Paris
