Schmidt keen to keep Ireland side on toes ahead of Canada clash
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is eager to make sure his side are on their toes as they begin their Rugby World Cup campaign against Canada.
Joe Schmidt has warned his Ireland side that nobody is sure of a place in the team ahead of Saturday's Rugby World Cup opener with Canada.
The Six Nations champions take on Canada in the first match of Pool D at the Millennium Stadium and will be expected to run out comfortable winners.
Ireland can ill-afford any slip-ups in a tough pool that also features France and Italy, with the runners-up likely to face defending world champions New Zealand in the quarter-finals.
A hamstring injury to Robbie Henshaw has dealt Ireland an early blow, with Luke Fitzgerald replacing him in the starting line-up at inside centre.
Dave Kearney, Keith Earls and Iain Henderson have all been handed places in the XV following strong form, while wing Tommy Bowe and back-rower Devin Toner have been left out.
On the subject of his team selection, Schmidt said: "It's probably not a message to the squad, as much what we feel was the best combination.
"If it is reflected in that way amongst the squad, hopefully that's a signal that A: everybody's got a chance of selection, and B: those selected need to make sure that they keep working hard to stay selected.
"Over the last four Test matches, we haven't started the same team. The players knew we were looking at different combinations and personnel. I don't think anyone felt that they were automatic selections.
"Maybe there's a couple of players who could have been afforded that luxury, but there's a few players who have been selected who probably need to show a bit more, and there's some players who've shown a bit."
Canada are without captain Tyler Ardron, with Jamie Cudmore skippering the side in his stead as the North Americans bid to end a run of eight defeats in their last nine Test matches and claim a first win over Ireland.
But coach Kieran Crowley - who won the inauguaral World Cup with New Zealand in 1987 - is confident his side will be able to compete with Ireland.
Crowley said: "We have gone full strength and selected a side that we feel has the best opportunity of winning the game.
"It's our objective to make it hard for them. They [Ireland] are one of the favourites for the tournament, so we know we've got a massive challenge in front of us. But we have trained well this week and we hope things go our way."