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Ireland will be looking to get their Rugby World Cup back on track when they go up against Russia this morning.
Joe Schmidt ’s men were humbled by hosts Japan last week, losing 19-12 in an absorbing thriller in Shizuoka.
Although they still look set to qualify for the quarter-finals, that defeat has complicated matters, with the Irish in desperate need of two bonus points from the remaining two fixtures.
Schmidt has rung the changes for today’s clash, making 11 in total, with Johnny Sexton set to captain from 10.
They take on a Russia team that has yet to pick up a point, having lost against Japan and Samoa so far.
Show all 15 1 /15Rugby World Cup team of round two Rugby World Cup team of round two 1, Ellis Genge (England) The loosehead prop may have only come on for England at half-time, but there had not been a run at the World Cup from a prop quite like what Genge produced against the USA. A barn-storming run saw him outpace one defender and trample over another, breaking the best part of 50 metres before it took two men to stop him. He was also excellent in the scrum to win countless penalties as the USA wilted.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 2. Julian Montoya (Argentina) It takes something special to shine in Agustin Creevy’s absence, but Montoya delivered with an excellent hat-trick to help lead Argentina to victory over Tonga. Montoya was smart to stay wide following a lineout for his first try, was the beneficiary of the rolling maul for the second and powered his way over from close range for a classy 26-minute hat-trick.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 3. Levan Chilachava (Georgia) It’s not often a Georgian makes the team of the round, but Chilachava lead an inspired Georgian pack to dominate Uruguay in their Sunday clash, scoring a try in the bonus-point victory and monstering the opposition front row in the scrum.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 4. Luke Thomspon (Japan) A herculean effort from the lock as Japan upset the odds to beat Ireland. Thompson did not miss a single tackle in a standout display with fellow lock James Moore.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 5. Lood de Jager (South Africa) The Springbok needed a big performance to strengthen his case for selection in what is a very competitive area for South Africa, and the giant second row delivered emphatically with a man-of-the-match performance. He may not have got on the scoresheet, but his impact in destroying Namibia’s gameplan was standout nonetheless.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 6. Aaron Wainwright (Wales) A young player whose development at the World Cup is really turning heads. Wainwright did not look out of place up against one of the greats of the game against David Pocock, and it was his ball-carrying ability that really stood out in an eye-catching performance.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 7. Lewis Ludlam (England) A remarkable rise to prominence saw Ludlam score his first World Cup try for England in the demolition of the USA, but it was his all-round performance last week that earns him his place in the side. From nowhere, Ludlam is emerging as a very important member of the England team.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 8. Michael Leitch (Japan) Another substitute who made such a strong contribution to a winning cause. Leitch came on after the half-hour mark to replace Amanaki Mafi and lead by example, setting the tone for Japan’s latest great upset.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 9. Gareth Davies (Wales) Australia could not keep Davies out of the game in Tokyo, with the scrum-half twice intercepting Will Genia and Bernard Foley and nearly bagging himself a third in the second half. He was also excellent at injecting pace into the game and tried to catch the defence napping throughout.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 10. Felipe Berchesi (Uruguay) The Uruguayan was excellent in Uruguay’s victory over Fiji, with the South American’s forced to double-up across the round by playing Georgia a handful of days later. Berchesi had to make do with a team on the back foot more often than not, yet managed to release his outside backs to run Fiji ragged.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 11. Makazole Mapimpi (South Africa) Mapimpi emerged from the shadow of Cheslin Kolbe to star in South Africa’s rout of Namibia, scoring two tries to trigger the landslide victory. Mapimpi may not get the shower of praise that his elusive teammate receives, but he showed how dangerous he can be with the ball in hand, showing a devastating turn of pace backed up by some serious power.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 12. Ryoto Nakamura (Japan) Going up against the talented duo of Chris Farrell and Garry Ringrose, Nakamura did himself proud with a number of eye-catching tackles and defensive work that any centre would be proud of. He also proved the glue between fly-half Yu Tamura and the dangerous wings outside him.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 13. Lukhanyo Am (South Africa) The third Springbok to feature in the side, Am enjoyed possible his best outing at international level, bagging a try himself on the 57-3 victory immediately after half-time as they picked up where they left off.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 14. Kotaro Matsushima (Japan) The only man to retain his spot in the side after yet another strong showing in Shizuoka, Matsushima is establishing himself as one of the must-watch players at the World Cup. One brilliant mazy run in the second half stood out among a lengthy highlight reel.
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Rugby World Cup team of round two 15. Telusa Veainu (Tonga) The full-back returned to the Tonga side for the first time in two years and marked his comeback with a brilliant showing, scoring twice in their losing effort against Argentina and producing a sublime finish for his second try after combining with Cooper Vuna.
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What time is it? Ireland vs Russia kicks off at 7.15pm Japan Standard Time, which is 11.15am BST, on Thursday 3 October.
Where can I watch it? ITV1 will be providing coverage of the match. Alternatively, you can live stream it via the ITV Hub on your smartphone, laptop or tablet.
Teams Ireland:
Russia:
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