Player Watch: Ian Madigan

Player Watch: Ian Madigan

Ireland take on Romania with an experimental looking side today, with Ian Madigan steering the ship at 10. Having been preferred to the in-form Paddy Jackson to start, Madigan has a chance to impress and secure his place as back up to Jonny Sexton.

The mercurial Leinster talent has had an up and down season for the province, but Irish fans will know the skills he possesses. An attacking ten with an eye for the gap, he offers something different off the bench if Ireland need a shake up in the bigger matches. He will look to really impose himself today to ensure he will be on the bench for the crunch match against France in this pool.

The versatile back may also get a run at scrum half today in the latter stages of the match, and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will be eager to see how he goes in that position. Schmidt rose a few eyebrows when he decided not to take a third scrum half to the competition, in the hopes that Madigan could also provide cover at 9. Be sure to follow the clash on Ultimate Rugby from 16:00.