Ireland's Craig Casey says it would be 'unbelievable' to make Rugby World Cup debut against Tonga

LIMERICK scrum-half Craig Casey hopes to be named in the matchday 23 for this weekend’s Pool B clash with Tonga in Nantes on Saturday, 8pm, live RTE2.

Munster Rugby scrum-half Casey believes it would be “unbelievable” to make his Rugby World Cup tournament debut in the second round game.

“It’s exactly where you want to be as an Irish rugby player, at a World Cup being involved in this group,” Casey said.

“I think we’ve all talked about what the buzz has been for the last two or three years and it’s definitely increased since we got over here, the excitement levels within the group are brilliant.

“The first two weeks here were definitely hard work but we’re mixing it with the craic as well so it’s a very enjoyable place to be.

“It would be unbelievable to make my World Cup debut, if it happens. You have to be ready and when an opportunity does come, you’ve got to take it with both hands and try and cement your place.”

After taking on Tonga, Ireland’s bid to reach the quarter-finals will be decided during pivotal Paris appointments with South Africa and Scotland. 

Casey and the majority of his team-mates gathered to see the Springboks defeat the Scots 18-3 on Sunday afternoon last.

He is braced for a physical encounter against the reigning world champions on September 23 at Stade de France, while also expecting similar this coming weekend.

“There was a good 25 of us in the team room watching it, so there was a good buzz around that, a very physical game,” he said.

“Scotland played very well first half, as well as South Africa, definitely physical.

“(They) just outmuscled them in the end, that’s what we’re expecting in a few weeks, that physical encounter.”

Speaking about Tonga, Casey added: “We know how tough the Pacific island teams are and we’re going to have to be at our best.

“We’ve got to go up another level (from Romania).”