Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Ireland will embrace frenzy of Japan Rugby World Cup encounter - Cian Healy

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Monday, 23 September 2019 05:24

Ireland are ready to embrace the frenzied atmosphere that will accompany their second World Cup match against hosts Japan, says Cian Healy.

Both sides secured bonus-point victories in their opening fixtures, so a win in Shizuoka will leave them well-placed for a quarter-final berth.

On Saturday, the Ecopa Stadium will be a cauldron of noise with Irish voices attempting to make their voices heard over what will be a raucous home support.

"When it gets to it, [we will] just embrace it and enjoy the game," said prop Healy.

"There are a lot of Irish here as well so it should be good craic at the game."

Irish fans easily outnumbered their Scottish counterparts during Sunday's meeting in Yokohama, and their team delivered a performance to cheer about, scoring four tries in a dominant display as they won 27-3.

Two days earlier in the tournament opener, Japan overcame a shaky start to ease past Russia 30-10, displaying the same entertaining brand of rugby that saw them burst into the consciousness of rugby fans around the world four years ago.

Healy was part of the Irish squad that defeated Japan twice on their last visit to the country in 2017.

The first of those matches, a 50-22 Irish victory, was played at the venue that will hosts Saturday's game.

"They play such a high-tempo game, they've got a lot of good ball players and finishers," Healy said.

"It's going to be tough preparation for it, and I'd say we'd be pushed for speed work in training.

"It is something we have been working on anyway but it's definitely something we'll be nailing down to be able to handle that attack of theirs."

Humidity training paying off

In a second half played amid a swirling downpour, Ireland's ball-handling trumped Scotland's as they navigated the tricky conditions with aplomb.

Much of the pre-match build-up focused on the idea that Yokohama was forecasted to be in for torrential rain, however it appears that the biggest struggle for the players was the unfamiliar humidity.

"It just takes your breath in a different way, it's not like playing in the sun or anything like that," reflected Healy.

"The recovery period when there's a break in play, you can get back to regular pretty quick.

"But those extended periods of play do put a lot of pressure on the lungs.

"We have done a lot of extended periods of training so it's in the head, it's not a shock. We've been to that place already."

Ireland left Yokohama on Monday to their base for the week in Iwata, a city within Japan's Shizuoka prefecture.

Read 319 times

Soccer

Ten Hag: Garnacho sorry for liking social criticism

Ten Hag: Garnacho sorry for liking social criticism

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsErik ten Hag has said Alejandro Garnacho has apologised for liking...

FA defends replay scrapping: Cup will be stronger

FA defends replay scrapping: Cup will be stronger

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Football Association (FA) has defended its decision to scrap re...

Casemiro: Ancelotti cried when I left Real Madrid

Casemiro: Ancelotti cried when I left Real Madrid

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCasemiro has said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti cried in front...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

UConn freshman star Castle enters NBA draft

UConn freshman star Castle enters NBA draft

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAfter playing an immense part in a national championship run, UConn...

Kawhi still battling inflammation, G1 status iffy

Kawhi still battling inflammation, G1 status iffy

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- LA Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard still has inflamm...

Baseball

D-backs RHP Nelson exits after line drive to arm

D-backs RHP Nelson exits after line drive to arm

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN FRANCISCO -- Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson exit...

Ohtani joins long list of scammed athletes and celebrities

Ohtani joins long list of scammed athletes and celebrities

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsIppei Mizuhara's alleged theft of at least $16 million from his for...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated