Ireland favourites but France bullish, says Ouedraogo

Former Ireland fly-half Humphreys backed Ulster powerhouse lock Henderson to gain world superstar status now he has fought his way into Joe Schmidt’s starting line-up.

Ireland were poor in Sunday’s 16-9 win over Italy and O’Connell has outlined every deficiency in Ireland’s pack, despite three straight victories in Pool D.

Gloucester rugby director Humphreys brought Henderson through at Ulster, and hailed the 23-year-old’s World Cup impact as Ireland have secured their place in the quarter-finals.

“We don’t mind. The team you’re going to face in the quarter-finals is potentially a team that could go all the way and win this World Cup”, he said. The feedback from New Zealand is there is a few anxiety about the team’s displays and that is why I am confident this is the game where the All Blacks remind everyone who are the reigning world champions.

Most players bat those questions away and revert to rehearsed answers about the importance of the collective and he was just as matter-of-fact when asked if there was much more to be seen from him as a player in the days, weeks and years to come. Though Devin Toner’s form had plateaud in his role alongside Paul O’Connell, the Leinster man is always a godsend at lineouts and he has responded well to his demotion with an impressive cameo around the field against Italy last Sunday.

Certainly, they have a good base from which to provide their support, because if the accoustics at the All Blacks’ captain’s run today is any indication, the noise from the crowd is likely to be vast.

“He has the potential to be one of the stand-out performers at this World Cup, particularly if Ireland are successful”.

There had been that reaction a week earlier when Wales won 28-25 but this was different and the fans and, maybe even the England players, didn’t think they could beat the Wallabies.

The French have tried the same tactic despite losing their last two matches with Ireland, and Humphreys believes Sexton will remain unfazed amid the onslaught.

“We need to dominate that area”.

Pressed on whether he could name the side now that would play France or Ireland, Foster said: “We’ve got a plan but we’ll take this Tongan game first and foremost”.

“So they’ll try every trick to upset him, but the player he is, the person that he is, I have no doubt he’ll be outstanding this weekend”.