We are merely hours away from the much anticipated Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, and the Irish contingent in Cardiff are already in preparation mode.
It has been a week filled with fear and trepidation. What should have been an exciting build-up to the clash with the South Americans, was understandably pre-occupied with talk about Paul O'Connell's enforced retirement from international duty, as well as laments about our other unfortunate casualties. And yesterday's announcement that Johnny Sexton is no longer fit to play, provoked a forlorn feeling in all of us.
Im sorry Johnny Sexton is on the bench 2mara.
— Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) October 17, 2015
But we have to move on. It's what Paulie and co would want. And some very energetic Irish fans in Cardiff have thankfully reminded us that there is still a game to play and a record first time Rugby World Cup semi-final still up for grabs. Watch and learn everybody, watch and learn.
Quiet night in Cardiff. Remember lads, early start tomorrow. #RWC2015 #IRE pic.twitter.com/teZ8drBa01
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) October 17, 2015
The reinforcements keeping the engine going
Driving it on for Paulie! pic.twitter.com/ARlJjGAWdu
— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) October 18, 2015
