Ireland revel in underdog role
IRELAND
Ireland go into the tournament with one thing on their minds - ensuring they get the chance to lock horns with England in a potentially explosive quarter-final.
The Emerald Isle is hardly the most fertile of Rugby League lands but as their football counterparts did under Jack Charlton, the Irish have drawn on their legendary world-wide roots to compile a squad of real depth and quality.
Coached jointly by Andy Kelly and Steve O'Neill, Ireland have enlisted no less than five top-class Australians, two of whom, Sydney City's Luke Ricketson and Brisbane Broncos Kevin Campion played in that country's Grand Final this year.
Throw in a clutch of Super League stars - Chris Joynt, Barrie McDermott and captain Terry O'Connor to name but three - and one can understand the air of cautious optimism surrounding the Irish camp.
That said, group four is perhaps the most difficult to call, with all four teams capable of beating the other.
A good start against Samoa at Windsor Park is crucial and should the Irish win, the stage will be set for a bone-crunching 'Celtic derby' with Scotland in Dublin.
The decision to opt for smaller venues in Dublin and Belfast rather than the grandeur of Lansdowne Road could prove to be the most astute move the Irish make.
Rather than play in what would have probably been a half-empty Lansdowne Road, both Windsor and Tolka Parks have every chance of being full to bursting for the visits of Samoa, Scotland and the New Zealand Maoris respectively.
Being roared on by a fervent crowd could be a decisive factor in helping the Irish top the group.
And should that quarter-final match up with England become a reality the message to spectators would be - sit back and enjoy the fireworks!