26 August 2023 , 08:00
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Ireland go into the World Cup with huge optimism - which is more than can be said for Wales after a year to forget so far.
The home nations have endured very contrasting periods with the Six Nations highlighting where they are at. Ireland bagged a first Grand Slam since 2018 and are as well placed as ever to end their World Cup hoodoo with the nation never making it past the last eight.
Johnny Sexton's absence from the warm-up matches is a minor blow, but Andy Farrell's side look to be peaking at the right time and have claimed notable scalps over the past year. Scotland are bubbling away nicely, enjoying a promising Six Nations with Finn Russell pulling the strings.
Finn Russell has been Scotland's leading light for a number of yearsThey failed to make it out of the pools in Japan four years ago and have been handed a shocking draw with this time round with both Ireland and South Africa for company. It will require an upset if they are to make the quarters, but Gregor Townsend will be confident they can make a charge.
Wales meanwhile, semi-finalists four years ago, have endured a steep decline. Warren Gatland left but has since returned to save a rugby nation that is in turmoil with the domestic game falling apart amid a mass exodus of their big names.
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Gatland has worked wonders before but will need to produce all his magic and more. The Welsh were upset by Fiji in France 16 years ago with the Pacific Islanders advancing out of the pool at their expense - they will hope to avoid a repeat this time round.
Wales have had 12 months to forgetTheir Six Nations form doesn't offer huge hope however with Wales losing four of their five games, shipping 69 points against Ireland and Wales whilst they were well beaten against France.
Ireland's World Cup fixtures
September 9 - Ireland v Romania, 2.30pm, Bordeaux
September 16 - Ireland v Tonga, 8pm, Nantes
September 23 - South Africa v Ireland, 8pm, Paris
October 7 - Ireland v Scotland, 8pm, Paris
Scotland's World Cup fixtures
September 10 - South Africa v Scotland, 4.45pm, Marseille
September 24 - Scotland v Tonga, 4.45pm, Nice
September 30 - Scotland v Romania, 8pm, Lille
October 7 - Ireland v Scotland, 8pm, Paris
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Wales' World Cup fixtures
September 10 - Wales v Fiji, 8pm, Bordeaux
September 16 - Wales v Portugal, 4.45pm, Nice
September 24 - Wales v Australia, 8pm, Lyon
October 7 - Wales v Georgia, 2pm, Nantes