Irish rugby coach, Tipperary's John Fogarty, predicts 'huge battle' against South Africa
Crucial World Cup game in Paris on Saturday
Irish rugby coach John Fogarty says that there's "definitely an edge" in training this week as Ireland prepare for Saturday's crucial World Cup Pool B game against South Africa.
The Cashel man says that every player wants to be in the starting fifteen and to be included in the match day 23, which means that competition for places "is right up there.
"To be playing the world champions in Paris is incredibly exciting. We're excited for sure but our games faces are on.
"We're clear in our heads as a group what the plan is and who is going to carry out that plan".
He said that Ireland are fortunate to have such a good group of players. Because they have "real options", it's not easy to pick the team.
Fogarty says that Ireland have an incredibly fit and very powerful group of forwards.
The scrum coach predicts that the forwards battle against South Africa will be huge, but one that the Irish group of players are ready for.
The former Rockwell College player also reported that Ireland have a clean bill of health ahead of the game.