Last night I went onto catch-up to watch the Ireland-Romania match. Saving France-NZ for tonight.
Given the scoreline, I was expecting to see a re-run of that first Italian appearance in the WC, when John Kirwan slaughtered them almost by himself*, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that Romania were actually playing quite well. I assume that is a side-effect of so many players now under contract abroad, as with the Georgians. There has been a lot of discussion over the years about the 'meaninglessness' of 'minor countries' coming to the WC, and that is surely what it is about. 'Minnows' get a chance at an amazing experience, even if it involves being flattened by the Irish pack.
I will be honest, though, in saying that I somehow don't anticipate Portugal being in the next game for us.
*Yes, I know, but to those who don't understand the importance of forwards, he looked like it was all his own work.