It’s been five years since the Kiwis emerged triumphant at Suncorp Stadium with the World Cup in tow. Now, on the 26th October, the top nations in international rugby league do battle to determine who’s at the top of the pile. So, just who is representing their country and who will be the dark horses this year?
Australia:
The Kangaroos have won nine of the past thirteen world cups, having lost just one since 1975. They are the benchmark in International and club rugby league. They have an entire squad full of match winners and experience. The experts have already penciled them in for the final and are tossing up between England and New Zealand as their opposition. The Australians will be looking for revenge following their loss in the 2008 final to the Kiwis.
Squad:
Greg Bird (Gold Coast Titans), Darius Boyd (Newcastle Knights), Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles), Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters), Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm), Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers), Andrew Fifita (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sutherland-Sharks), Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels), Greg Inglis (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Michael Jennings (Sydney Roosters), Luke Lewis (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Brett Morris (St George Illawarra Dragons), Josh Morris (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Nate Myles (Gold Coast Titans), Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders), Corey Parker (Brisbane Broncos), Matthew Scott (North Queensland Cowboys), Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm), Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm), James Tamou (North Queensland Cowboys), Brent Tate (North Queensland Cowboys), Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos), Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Head coach: Tim Sheens
Ones to watch: It goes without saying that Melbourne’s “Big 3″ will be instrumental in the Kangaroos’ success. Further keys to the success of Australia will be Greg Inglis who can turn a game on it’s head as well as five-eighth Johnathan Thurston. “JT” was in terrific form to the back-end of this season so expect him to continue that form. Australia’s forward pack will be formidable no matter who they pick.
One dark horse to watch for Australia is Jarryd Hayne. Included in the squad, somewhat surprisingly, Hayne only played 15 club games this season however starred in the Prime Minister’s XIII against the PNG Kumuls recently. Hayne’s last appearance in a World Cup came with the Fiji Bati whom he led to the semi-finals before being defeated by the Kangaroos. He’ll be looking to impress early on so expect plenty of fireworks from the “Hayne Plane.”
Cook Islands:
One of the smallest nations involved in this years’ tournament, they made their first appearance in the World Cup in 2000. They have never won a match but you can bet they’ll be hungry to erase that stat. Boasting NRL experienced players such as Zeb Taia, Dylan Napa, Tinirau Arona and Brad Takairangi they’ll be looking to get one over either the United States or Wales.
Squad:
Tinirau Arona (Syndey Roosters), Sam Brunton (Mounties Bundy), Daniel Fepuleai (North Sydney Bears), Jonathon Ford (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Anthony Gelling (Wigan), Isaac John (Panthers), Drury Low (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Keith Lulia (Bradford Bulls), Lulia Lulia (Shell Harbour), Hikule’o Malu (Warriors), Sam Mataora (Canberra Raiders), Joseph Matapuku (North Sydney Bears), Dylan Napa (Sydney Roosters), Dominique Peyroux (Warriors), Rea Pittman (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Jordan Rapana (Canberra Raiders), Tupou Sopoaga (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Zeb Taia (Catalan Dragons), Brad Takairangi (Gold Coast Titans), Adam Tangata (Mounties Bundy), Chris Taripo (Sydney Roosters), Zane Tetavano (Newcastle Knights), Tyrone Viiga (Parramatta Eels)
Head coach: David Fairleigh
One’s to watch: Tinirau Arona and Dylan Napa forced their way into the Premiership winning Roosters side and made their names with bruising defence. Brad Takairangi has played for both the Roosters and Titans and at 6 foot 4 inches, 104kg is a difficult customer to handle.
England:
The English will be looking to capitalise on the experience of their forward pack who boast three of the Australian based Burgess brothers as well as the Parramatta bound Lee Mossop. England’s Kevin Sinfield is the current Golden Boot holder with fullback Sam Tomkins signed to the New Zealand Warriors for the 2014 season. The English haven’t won the world cup since 1972 and haven’t featured in a World Cup final since 1995.
Squad:
Carl Ablett (Leeds Rhinos), Tom Briscoe (Hull FC), George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos), Josh Charnley (Wigan), Rangi Chase (Salford Red Devils), Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants), Liam Farrell (Wigan), Brett Ferres (Huddersfield Giants), James Graham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos), Zak Hardaker (Leeds Rhinos), Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves), Michael McIllorum (Wigan), Lee Mossop (Wigan), Sean O’Loughlin (Wigan), James Roby (St Helens), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos), Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves), Gareth Widdop (Melbourne Storm)
Head coach: Steve McNamara
One’s to watch: Since the last world cup England have shifted more and more players to the NRL. Three of South Sydney’s Burgess Brothers will feature in the forward pack, providing plenty of go-forward in both defence and offence. Sam Tomkins has been electric in the Super League this season but has failed to deliver on the big stage in the past. If he wants to be considered as a genuine threat in the NRL he will have to perform against the star-studded Kangaroos.
Fiji:
The Bati will be looking to make an even bigger impact than they did in the 2008 World Cup when they do battle in the group of death. The Fijians rode off the back of an inspirational Jarryd Hayne in 2008 but will have to do without the fullback this year. However they will boast former Brisbane, Queensland and Australia prop, Petero Civoniceva as their captain. The tough, no nonsense prop has announced the World Cup will be his final series of competitive matches before retiring.
Squad:
Peni Botiki (Saru Dragons), Jayson Bukuya (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Petero Civoniceva (Redcliffe Dolphins), Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters), Aaron Groom (Asquith Magpies), Ilisavani Jegesa (Nabua Broncos), Marika Koroibete (Wests Tigers), Apisai Koroisau (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Millard (Catalans Dragons), Ryan Millard (Burwood United), Kevin Naiqama (Newcastle Knights), Wes Naiqama (Panthers), Alipate Noilea (Collegians Illawarra), Tikiko Noke (Lautoka Crushers), Vitale Junior (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Ashton Sims (North Queensland Cowboys), Korbin Sims (Newcastle Knights), Tariq Sims (North Queensland Cowboys), James Storer (Collegians Illawarra), Kaliova Nauqe (Fassifern Queensland), Akuila Uate (Newcastle Knights), Eloni Tui Michael Vunakece (Wyong Roos), Sisa Waqa (Melbourne Storm), Semi Radradra (Parramatta Eels)
Head coach: Rick Stone
One’s to watch: Fiji boasts probably their best ever world cup squad with the likes of the Sims brothers, Naiqama brothers as well as Akuila Uate, Sisa Waqa and Semi Radradra include. The Sims will be the Fijian enforcers along with Civoniceva. Radradra made his NRL debut this season for Parramatta but has played for Fiji in the Rugby Sevens, boasting terrific speed and strength. Uate was overlooked for the Australian team and will be looking to prove to the Kangaroos he was worth a position in the Kangaroos’ squad.
France:
Les Tricolores will be looking to make a further impression on the world cup. They have appeared in two world cup finals in 1954 and 1968 respectively. This year they will host the Kiwis at Avignon and the Samoans and Perpignan. Expect plenty of fireworks from the French as they look to impress at home.
Squad:
Jean Philippe Baile (Catalans Dragons), William Barthau (Catalans Dragons), Andrew Bentley (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Kane Bentley (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Thomas Bosc (Catalans Dragons), Damien Cardace (Catalans Dragons), Remi Casty (Catalans Dragons), Vincent Duport (Catalans Dragons), Olivier Elima (Catalans Dragons), Morgan Escare (Catalans Dragons), Theo Fages (Salford Red Devils), Jamal Fakir (Catalans Dragons), Benjamin Garcia (Catalan Dragons), Tony Gigot (Sporting Olympique Avignon XIII), Clint Greenshields (North Queensland Cowboys), Younes Khattabi (AS Carcassone XIII), Kevin Larroyer (Catalans Dragons), Antoni Maria (Catalans Dragons), Gregory Mounis (Catalans Dragons), Eloi Pelissier (Catalans Dragons), Sebastian Raguin (St Esteve XIII Catalan), Mickael Simon (Catalans Dragons), Cyril Stacul (FC Lezignan XIII), Frederic Vaccari (Catalans Dragons)
Head coach: Richard Agar
One’s to watch: The French boast former Dragon and current Cowboy Clint Greenshields. His incisive runs will be a key to the French attack. Eloi Pelissier will be hoping to carry his impressive domestic form into the International arena. The diminutive hooker has been a key ingredient in the Catalans Dragons’ campaign.
Italy:
The Azzurri are beginning to boast plenty of NRL experience. Their captain and fullback is none other than the former Australian and NSW custodian Anthony Minichello. Along with “Mini” is former Tiger and Titan Anthony Laffranchi, current Rooster Aiden Guerra, the Knights’ Kade Snowden and the Wests Tigers’ James Tedesco.
Squad:
Christophe Calegari (FC Lezignan XIII), Gioele Celerino (North West Roosters), Chris Centrone (North Sydney Bears), Fabrizio Ciaurro (Brescia RL), Cameron Ciraldo (Panthers), Ben Falcone (Souths Logan Magpies), Sam Gardel (Souths Logan Magpies), Ryan Ghetti (Northern Pride), Aidan Guerra (Sydney Roosters), Gavin Hiscox (Central Capras), Anthony Laffranchi (St Helens), Joshua Mantellato (Newcastle Knights), Vitaliano Mauro (Salford Red Devils), Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters), Mark Minichiello (Gold Coast Titans), Raymond Nasso (Sporting Olympique Avignon XIII), Dean Parata (Parramatta Eels), Joel Riethmuller (North Queensland Cowboys), James Saltonstall (Warrington Wolves), Brendan Santi (Wests Tigers), Kade Snowden (Newcastle Knights), James Tedesco (Wests Tigers), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Paul Vaughan (Canberra Raiders)
Head coach: Carlo Napolitano
One’s to watch: Anthony Minichello goes without saying here. “The Count” is a former Golden Boot winner and Dally M Fullback of the Year winner. His experience will be invaluable for the Azzurri who are making their first appearance at the world cup.
Ireland:
Luck wasn’t on the side of the Irish when they landed in the group of death alongside Australia, England and Fiji but don’t count them out just yet. Included in their roster is current Raider Brett White, former Eels and Tigers winger Pat Richards, the Eels’ Api Pewhairangi (A Junior Kiwi) and the Cowboys’ Rory Kostjasyn.
Squad:
Dave Allen (Widnes Vikings), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Bob Beswick (Leigh Centurions), Damien Blanch (Catalans Dragons), Danny Bridge (Warrington Wolves), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Liam Finn (Featherstone Rovers), Simon Finnigan (Leigh Centurions), Scott Grix (Huddersfield Giants), Simon Grix (Warrington Wolves), Kurt Haggerty (Barrow Raiders), James Hasson (Manly Sea Eagles), Rory Kostjayn (North Queensland Cowboys), Stuart Littler (Leigh Centurions), Tyrone McCarthy (Warrington Wolves), James Mendeika (Warrington Wolves), Anthony Mullally (Huddersfield Giants), Eamon O’Carroll (Widnes Vikings), Apirana Pewhairangi (Parramatta Eels), Pat Richards (Wigan), Colton Roche (Sheffield Eagles), Marc Sneyd (Castleford Tigers), Joshua Toole (St George Illawarra Dragons), Brett White (Canberra Raiders)
Head coach: Mark Aston
One’s to watch: Brett White is a former NSW and Australian representative who will provide plenty of back bone to the Irish forward pack. Pewhairangi debuted at centre for the Eels but is a handful at five-eighth. Kostjasyn was an important member of the Cowboys side which made the finals this season.
New Zealand:
Ahhh the Kiwis, can you hear that? The ghosts of 2008 are still singing the haka since their famous victory over the all-conquering Kangaroos. New Zealand are the current title holders but will face plenty of stiff opposition from the Australians who seek revenge against the Kiwis. The New Zealanders don’t perform well in one-off matches but regularly make the finals of long competitions. Boasting plenty of NRL talent they are highly considered to face off against the Kangaroos in the final.
Squad:
Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne Storm), Greg Eastwood (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Kieran Foran (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles), Alex Glenn (Brisbane Broncos), Bryson Goodwin (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Josh Hoffman (Brisbane Broncos), Krisnan Inu (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Sam Kasiano (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Thomas Leuluai (Warriors), Kevin Locke (Warriors), Issac Luke (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Simon Mannering (Warriors), Ben Matulino (Warriors), Sam Moa (Sydney Roosters), Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Sydney Roosters), Frank Pritchard (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Elijah Taylor (Warriors), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Sydney Roosters), Manu Vatuvei (Warriors), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters), Dean Whare (Panthers), Sonny Bill Williams (Sydney Roosters)
Head coach: Stephen Kearney
One’s to watch: Where to start with the Kiwis? They will be missing Benji Marshall after his defection to Rugby Union but there is still plenty of talent there. Sonny Bill Williams comes to mind. The cross code international was in fantastic form this season for the Roosters and will be an integral part of the Kiwis’ success this year. Kieran Foran has long been in the shadow of Benji Marshall but will fly solo this year. His calmness in attack and powerful defence will be needed by the Kiwis. The Kiwis definitely have the squad to make it back-to-back World Cups.
Papua New Guinea:
The bone jarring Kumuls may not reach the semi-finals but they’ll leave their opposition bruised and battered. The league loving nation will field Neville Costigan, Paul Aiton, James Segeyaro and David Mead.
Squad:
osiah Abavu (Port Moresby Vipers), Paul Aiton (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), Dion Aiye (Rabaul Gurias), Wellington Albert (Lae Tigers), Ase Boas (Rabaul Gurias), Jason Chan (Huddersfield Giants), Neville Costigan (Newcastle Knights), Israel Eliab (Port Moresby Vipers), Richard Kambo (Port Moresby Vipers), Roger Laka (Enga Mioks), Enoch Maki (Mendi Muruks), Larsen Marabe (Orange CYMS), Bosam McDonald (Sydney Roosters), David Mead (Gold Coast Titans), Mark Mexico (Lae Tigers), Jessie Joe Nandye (Whitehaven), Sebastien Pandia (Port Moresby Vipers), Francis Paniu (Rabaul Gurias), James Segeyaro (Panthers), Jason Tali (Mount Hagen Eagles), Ray Thompson (North Queensland Cowboys), Charlie Wabo (Mendi Muruks), Menzie Yere (Sheffield Eagles)
Head coach: Adrian Lam
One’s to watch: Menzi Yere, otherwise known as the juke box is one of the main enforcers for the Kumuls, if you see someone come reeling out of a collision expect Yere to be there. The experienced Neville Costigan regained terrific form this year with the Newcastle Knights his NRL experience and bone-jarring defence will be a key ingredient for the Kumuls.
Samoa:
The Samoans have become one of the most entertaining sides in recent years, preferring to play an ad-lib style of footy that gives their outside backs room. Boasting plenty of NRL experience they could provide an upset or two this year.
Squad:
David Fa’alogo (Newcastle Knights), Pita Godinet (Warriors), Harrison Hansen (Wigan), Masada Iosefa (Wests Tigers), Faleniu Iosi (Letava Bulldogs), Tim Lafai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Joseph Leilua (Newcastle Knights), Teofilo Lepou (Marist Saints), Reni Maitua (Parramatta Eels), Penani Manumeasili (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Mose Masoe (Panthers), Suaia Matagi (Warriors), Arden McCarthy (Point Chevalier Pirates), Anthony Milford (Canberra Raiders), Junior Moors (Melbourne Storm), Edward Purcell (Warriors), Ben Roberts (Parramatta Eels), Iosia Soliola (St Helens), Sauaso Sue (Wests Tigers), Mark Taufua (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Ionatana Tino (Apia Barracudas), Daniel Vidot (St George Illawarra Dragons), Antonio Winterstein (North Queensland Cowboys)
Head coach: Matt Parish
One’s to watch: Penrith’s Mose Masoe made his name as a hard hitting prop and will be looking to leave his imprint on the opposition. Reni Maitua had a forgettable year with Parramatta but given some room to move his footwork and ball-playing ability can definitely open up the game. BJ Leilua was earmarked for a possible NSW position in late 2012 but had off-field issues. Signed by the Knights Leilua became a permanent fixture in Wayne Bennett’s team. The Samoans could definitely be the entertainers this year.
Scotland:
The bagpipe wielding, kilt wearing Scotsmen surprisingly have a number of NRL players at their disposal; even if one of them is Peter Wallace. They will be appearing in their third consecutive world cup and keen to do battle, even if it is without their blue war paint.
Squad:
Danny Addy (Bradford Bulls), Sam Barlow (Halifax), Danny Brough (Huddersfield Giants), Brett Carter (Workington Town), Luke Douglas (Gold Coast Titans), Dale Ferguson (Huddersfield Giants), Ben Fisher (London Broncos), Ben Hellewell (Featherstone Rovers), Andrew Henderson (Sheffield Eagles), Ian Henderson (Catalans Dragons), Alex Hurst (London Broncos), Ben Kavanagh (Widnes Vikings), Kane Linnett (North Queensland Cowboys), Rhys Lovegrove (Hull KR), Gareth Moore (Batley Bulldogs), Brett Phillips (Workington Town), Matthew Russell (Gold Coast Titans), David Scott (Featherstone Rovers), Mitchell Stringer (Sheffield Eagles), Alex Szostak (Sheffield Eagles), Adam Walker (Hull KR), Jonathan Walker (Hull KR), Peter Wallace (Brisbane Broncos), Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats)
Head coach: Steve McCormack
One’s to watch: Peter Wallace may never feature in a Blues jersey again but he will provide much needed experience to the Bravehearts’ lineup. The former representative halfback will be keen to show he still has what it takes to match it with the best. Luke Douglas will be a threat on the fringes with his hard running game and stiff defence.
Tonga:
Running an eye over the Tongan side you’d be excused if you thought you were looking at an NRL squad. The Tongans boast plenty of size and flair. The forward pack will be led by Fuifui Moimoi and Brent Kite. The two props have been the best of enemies in the past having played for New Zealand and Australia respectively. The backline contains the likes of Daniel Tupou, Konrad Hurrell and Glen Fisi’iahi.
Squad:
Sosaia Feki (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Glen Fisi’iahi (Warriors), Mahe Fonua (Melbourne Storm), Daniel Foster (Panthers), Sydney Havea (Liahona Old Boys), Siliva Havili (Warriors), Konrad Hurrell (Warriors), Brent Kite (Manly Sea Eagles), Samsoni Langi (Sydney Roosters), Siuatonga Likiliki (Newcastle Knights), Willie Manu (St Helens), Sika Manu (Panthers), Nesiasi Mataitonga (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Fuifui Moimoi (Parramatta Eels), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Wests Tigers), Mickey Paea (Hull KR), Patrick Politini (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Nafe Seluini (Sydney Roosters), Ukuma Ta’ai (Huddersfield Giants), Jorge Taufua (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles), Jason Taumololo (North Queensland Cowboys), Peni Terepo (Parramatta Eels), Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters), Siosa Vave (Parramatta Eels)
Head coach: Charlie Tonga
One’s to watch: Fuifui Moimoi has been in terrific form and is still one of the most feared ball runners in the game. The steam train has combined bollocking runs with heavy hitting defence. He is a cult figure at Parramatta and will lead the Tongan pack. Glen Fisi’iahi, better known as “The Fish”, is an electrifying kick returner and deadly in broken play. Look for him skirting around the back-line in search of gaps.
U.S.A
The Tomahawks will make their World Cup debut yet boast NRL experienced players Clint Newton, Joseph Paulo, Matt Peterson and Eddy Pettybourne. The had an upset win in their warm-up matches against the French and will be looking to build on that.
Squad:
Mark Cantoni (Dalby), Bureta Faramio (Mackay Cutters), Gabriel Farley (Southampton Dragons), Kristian Freed (Racing Club Lescure), Michael Garvey (Pennsylvania Bulls), Roman Hifo (Papakura Sea Eagles), Daniel Howard (Wentworthville Magpies), Stephen Howard (Tuggerong Bushrangers), Judah Lavulo (Cabramatta), Haveatama Luani (Wests Tigers), David Marando (Belrose Eagles), Ryan McGoldrick (Salford Red Devils), Clint Newton (Panthers), Mark Offerdahl (AS Carcassone XIII), Joseph Paulo (Parramatta Eels), Junior Paulo (Windsor Wolves), Matthew Petersen (Cudgen Hornets), Eddy Pettybourne (Wests Tigers), Craig Priestly (Southampton Dragons), Tuisegasega Samoa (Redcliffe Dolphins), Matthew Shipway (South Newcastle), Les Soloai (Featherstone Rovers), Lelauloto Tagaloa (Hawaii Chiefs), Taylor Welch (Chicago Griffins)
Head coach: Terry Matterson
One’s to watch: Captain Joseph Paulo had a mixed season with the Eels but can be a real spark in attack. An effective ball-player who can use his size and strength, he will look to attract as many defenders as possible before slipping away a late offload. Clint Newton has been a main stay in NRL and Super League lineups for over a decade. He will bring much needed experience to the young squad.
Wales:
Whilst not as successful as their Rugby Union counterparts, the Dragons will have a fair chance to make the semi-finals this year. With the majority of their squad home-grown there will be plenty of pride on the line for the team in red. The St George Illawarra Dragons’ Tyson Frizell has joined the squad and is the only NRL player in the team.
Squad:
Neil Budworth (unattached), Ross Divorty (Halifax), Gil Dudson (Wigan), Jacob Emmitt (Salford Red Devils), Ben Evans (Bradford Bulls), Rhys Evans (Warrington Wolves), Daniel Fleming (Castleford Tigers), Ben Flower (Wigan), Tyson Frizzel (St George Illawarra Dragons), James Gurtjens (North Devils), Jordan James (Salford Red Devils), Danny Jones (Keighley Cougars), Elliot Kear (Bradford Bulls), Craig Kopczak (Huddersfield Giants), Rhodri Lloyd (Wigan), Peter Lupton (Workington Town), Rob Massam (North Wales Crusaders), Larne Patrick (Huddersfield Giants), Christiaan Roets (North Wales Crusaders), Matt Seamark (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Anthony Walker (St Helens), Ian Webster (Central Queensland Capras), Lloyd White (Widnes Vikings), Rhys Williams (Warrington Wolves)
Head coach: Iestyn Harris
One’s to watch: Although he’s only young, Frizell has the experience of playing in the NRL and will be accustomed to tough matches. Leading the team forward will be prop Craig Kopczak. Playing for Huddersfield in the Super League, Kopczak brings 187 games of experience to the side and has represented Wales since 2007.
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Go Ireland!