Crocked Payne ruled out of World Cup

Ireland centre Jared Payne has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup because of a broken foot.

On the back of that Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt decided not to risk him against France in Cardiff tomorrow, with his side already in the last eight and scheduled for action next weekend at the Millennium Stadium.

Payne flew home on Saturday morning, with Ireland delaying a decision on his replacement until after Sunday’s Pool D decider with France – but Tommy Bowe backed Ulster wing Trimble to join Joe Schmidt’s squad.

Payne misses out through a combination of his foot injury and the form of Keith Earls who will partner Robbie Henshaw in the centre.

“We are qualified and we are very keen to qualify at the top of the pool and, at the same time, knowing the reality that regardless of where you finish in the pool, there is a game next week against a side that is incredibly capable”.

Ireland flanker Peter O’Mahony said it will be “certainly the biggest game I’ve ever played in”.

Meanwhile, France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre has made two personnel changes and one positional switch to the team to play Ireland.

As we have seen elsewhere in Europe, not least in Scotland, there is a tendency among those most heavily involved in the club game to fail to see the bigger picture and to understand that in rugby in particular it is the worldwide game that provides players with the profile that in turn improves their marketability.

They have been runners up three times and only once in 1991 have Les Blues failed to reach the semi final. We know what we can expect from a player of his quality.

“Obviously, our performance last week wasn’t at the level we’d like it to be at, but we got through a really tough game against Italy who are a good side”.

“It’s a hugely positive thing, it’s not a negative at all”, said Toner of Sexton’s demanding professional persona. “Szarzewski went for me but Paulie [intervened] and shove him out of the road a bit”. It can be hard to get away from them.

A classic is expected, with the finesse of Ireland’s Jonny Sexton against the power of France’s Mathieu Bastareaud.

“What he’s done in the short time he’s played for Ireland has been incredible”. From an Irish context, he’s a very calm influence on people.

If the All Blacks wanted to, they could reveal now their likely starting XV and game strategy for every match they could possibly play through to the end of the World Cup.