Ireland's stand-in captain, Iain Henderson, believes that the players selected for tomorrow's game against Samoa won't feel the weight of pressure on their shoulders ahead of Andy Farrell's final World Cup selection on Sunday.
Farrell was scheduled to announce his definitive 33-man player squad for the World Cup, but that has been postponed to Sunday afternoon, as reported on Friday.
Before that, Ireland has a final warm-up game against Samoa in Biarritz to play.
Andy Farrell will now reveal his squad on Sunday afternoon instead of waiting until Monday https://t.co/9ARAHbGHCK
— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) August 25, 2023
Ireland has chosen a formidable lineup for the game, and the match's performance will offer players a final opportunity to prove themselves before Sunday.
Ireland's players have dealt with Grand Slam deciders and significant games before. Naturally, one might think that players would be nervous about missing out on the World Cup. However, Henderson believes that Ireland's players will handle the pressure gracefully.
"That anxiety is undoubtedly stressful for players, but at the same time, it's nothing that players aren't accustomed to in terms of stress in the professional rugby environment," said Henderson on Friday.
"I believe there is a certain level of anxiety, but the players are well accustomed to being placed in challenging situations—selections for cup finals, tours, and Six Nations games.
"Obviously, this situation carries a slightly different weight, but we're a closely-knit group. Those who are feeling the most apprehensive about it probably receive the best support.
"We comprehend how each of us is faring, and that's something the guys have handled admirably within the collective. I genuinely feel that the guys watch out for one another, and there's authentic concern for each other's feelings."
Ireland's encounter with Samoa marks the first meeting between the teams since Ireland triumphed 47-5 at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
"This is their pre-World Cup campaign, akin to ours, reaching its peak," Henderson added.
"It's an exhilarating period for them, as they aim to challenge us. We're focused on playing the style of game we prefer.
"They present substantial threats; they're decidedly distinct from the last time we faced them."
The match will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 in the Republic of Ireland and on Amazon Prime in the UK and Northern Ireland.
Fullback 15. Jimmy O’Brien
Winger 14. Mack Hansen
Centres 13. Robbie Henshaw 12. Stuart McCloskey
Winger 11. Keith Earls
Outhalf 10 Jack Crowley Scrumhalf 9 Conor Murray
Front row 1. Cian Healy 2. Cian Healy 3. Finlay Bealham
Second row 4. Iain Henderson (captain) 5. Tadhg Beirne
Back row 6. Ryan Baird 7. Josh van der Flier 8. Caelan Doris
Replacements 16. Rob Herring ,17. Jeremy Loughman,18. Tom O’Toole ,19. James Ryan ,20. Peter O’Mahony ,21. Craig Casey ,22. Ross Byrne ,23. Garry Ringrose
