Romania is potentially the last chance for those left out to force their way into Joe Schmidt’s plans.
With the New Zealander almost certain to revert to his strongest match-day 23 for the following game against Italy and however far Ireland progress in the World Cup, the pressure is firmly on those that watched Saturday’s 50-7 victory over Canada to make sure this weekend is not their only outing.
The eight players who did not feature in the opener are likely to face Romania as Schmidt looks to protect key men for the bigger tests ahead, so the likes of Leinster back-row Jordi Murphy know a big performance is a must.
“I’m obviously raring to go,” Murphy said. “It’s kind of tough watching the lads play and obviously it was a great result and they played very well.
“It’s one of those things, only 23 can play on the day and it’s a 31-man squad.
“It’s one of those things that if or when I get a chance, I’m just going to try go out there and put my hand up as well, and give Joe and the coaches a bit of a headache.”
Murphy’s versatility makes him an appealing option to have on the bench but a disappointing display in the penultimate warm-up game allowed Ulster’s Chris Henry to claim the back-row spot among the substitutes.
But the 24-year-old Blackrock man is not dwelling on past mistakes now that he has made it into the Ireland World Cup party.
“I’ve got to move on past that,” he said. “I wasn’t happy on the day, I thought I was kinda beaten one-on-one by my opposite number and it’s one of those things. Next time I get a chance to play, I want to rectify that and move on.
“It’s one of those things, the game was the guts of a month gone so I just have to up my game big time for what this competition is.”
Murphy has impressed with the high-quality St George’s Park facilities that normally are the home of the England football team, while room-mate Sean Cronin, unlike skipper Paul O’Connell, is more than happy with the presence of a Three Lions hero above his bed.
“It’s Beckham. I think Sean Cronin is delighted. It’s over Nugget’s bed so I think he’s sleeping well.”
