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...

Rugby World Cup: Ireland 'can beat anyone' but England will win - Mark McCall

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Tuesday, 17 September 2019 03:49

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall feels that Ireland "can beat anyone on their day" but has tipped England to win the World Cup in Japan.

McCall, who played for Ulster and Ireland, feels that England's strength in depth will make Eddie Jones' side the team to beat.

"They look the strongest overall and they can withstand a few injuries," said McCall.

"But I think there are a few teams who will have something to say about that."

"If Ireland get to the quarter-finals then they are capable of beating anybody on their day.

"That's what's most intriguing about this World Cup, there are several teams who are capable of winning it."

McCall, who has been at the English Premiership club since 2009, says that he wants his players to enjoy the World Cup experience.

"You want your players to go and play in these kinds of tournaments," added McCall. " I think we have 15 players away overall.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a lot of people and we want our players to experience that.

"We have a lot of very good young players at the club and we are excited to give them the opportunities that they've worked so hard for over the last couple of years."

It would take a lot to walk away

"It's maybe something for the future, who knows?" said McCall when asked if coaching Ireland would ever be a possibility.

"I do like having daily interaction with the players and that day-to-day grind is something that I enjoy.

"I haven't really thought about coaching Ireland, I'm happy where I am at the moment and I just want to keep this going for as long as possible."

"I feel lucky to have come to Saracens at the right time.

"We have some fabulous people working here and it would take a lot to walk away from this job."

Head coach Joe Schmidt will step away from the Ireland set-up after the World Cup, with current defence coach Andy Farrell poised to replace the New Zealander.

"Coaching Ireland can either go very well or go very badly," adds McCall, "I think that Joe has done an incredible job.

"I coached with Andy here for the first two or three years at Saracens. He is a great man and I think he will do a great job.

"I think it's a clever appointment to have someone who has worked with Joe as well.

"He will have his own ideas and is a very strong character and personality, plus he knows the game inside out and knows winning inside out.

"I'm sure he will do a fabulous job."

Read 382 times

Soccer

NL quarterfinal draw: Spain to face Netherlands

NL quarterfinal draw: Spain to face Netherlands

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe draw for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals was made on Frid...

Premier League injury and suspension news, predicted lineups, fantasy updates

Premier League injury and suspension news, predicted lineups, fantasy updates

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFind out who is missing through injury, who's in a race against tim...

Premier League changes APT rules after City case

Premier League changes APT rules after City case

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Premier League has announced changes to its Associated Party Tr...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Pistons' Cunningham exits vs. Hornets after fall

Pistons' Cunningham exits vs. Hornets after fall

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Detroit guard Cade Cunningham left Thursday nigh...

George has bone bruise, to miss at least 2 games

George has bone bruise, to miss at least 2 games

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPhiladelphia 76ers star Paul George has a bone bruise in his left k...

Baseball

Ohtani 'slowly ramping up' in post-surgery rehab

Ohtani 'slowly ramping up' in post-surgery rehab

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- Shohei Ohtani is in the early stages of rehabbing fr...

City OKs, then reverses $23M to fix Rays' stadium

City OKs, then reverses $23M to fix Rays' stadium

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The St. Petersburg City Council reversed co...

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