Another talking point in the Irish line up is the inclusion of Iain Henderson at second row ahead of Devin Toner. The two players are polar opposites in playing style but Henderson's ball carrying was a real plus for Ireland in the warm up games, and he is given his chance to stake a claim

COYBIG #shouldertoshoulder

Ireland come into this one having named what looks like a full strength side, with the exception of Robbie Henshaw in the centre. Luke FitzGerald instead starts at 12, a supremely talented athlete who has been hampered by injury in recent seasons.

Come on Ireland

Games have been a bit slow so far hopefully we see some pace in this game

Let's go Ireland

COYBIB

For Ireland and Canada rugby fans across the globe this is the biggest day of the year. 45 minutes until both sides begin their RWC campaigns, both with contrasting ambitions. For Ireland, they enter the world cup as genuine contenders for what might be the first time, boasting a squad with experience and a coach now renowned to be one of the best around. They may have failed to fire in the World Cup warm ups, but this is still a team to be reckoned with. Canada on the other hand, while of course being here to compete, will know getting out of this group may be a bridge too far. Stay with us as we build up to this Pool D opener.

These sides have met 6 times with Ireland winning 5, and 1 draw back in 2000 where the final score was 27-27.

It's a shame joe doesn't rate Madigan at 12 I would have liked to see him start there today!