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Published 17:29 2 Oct 2015 BST
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If Ireland are to claim their first ever World Cup, they must undergo the sternest test of their character any of their squad have ever faced. All told, it would be five matches in 27 days. To put that into perspective, when Ireland won the Grand Slam in 2009 they played their five matches over seven weeks [42 days] with 13- and 14-day gaps before and after their narrow victory over England at Croke Park.On Sunday, Ireland face Italy [world number 14] at the Olympic Stadium in London. One week later and France [7] are the opponents. If Ireland win both games, and top their World Cup pool for only the second time, they will get another seven days to prepare for a quarter final against, most likely, Argentina [8] or Tonga [13]. Coming out trumps of 'Quarter Final 3' sets up an October 25 semi, at Twickenham, against - based on current form - Wales [2] or South Africa [5].
Were Joe Schmidt's men to successfully navigate that last four clash, they may finally tangle with New Zealand [1] after a six-day gap.
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