By Grainne McGuinness and Shaun Cronin
Jack McGrath is delighted to get the start at loosehead prop against Canada but knows Cian Healy will be breathing down his neck in coming weeks.
McGrath has established himself in the position while Healy worked to regain fitness following neck surgery earlier this year.
The pair are Leinster teammates and McGrath said that, while they are unquestionably rivals for position, they find the competition positive.
“We do push each other and we do enjoy each other’s company,” he explained. “We learn off each other.
“If one gets the start, there’s no hard feelings. It’s like ‘best of luck,’ but I’m going to come on and do a job and do the best I can and it’s vice versa.
“It’s a good tandem we have and it’s great for the group and it’s great for the team.”
For now McGrath is focused on Ireland making the best possible start to their World Cup campaign on Saturday.
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt warned this week that Canada were a potential ‘banana skin, and McGrath agrees that they pose a danger to Ireland.
Shaun Cronin, Head Sports Reporter chatting with PA’s Rugby Correspondent after the Irish team press conference in Cardiff. Video by Dan Linehan