Odds quoted are from Paddy Power Excited? Well, give it a while. Namibia isn't exactly a name to get the blood pumping, unless of course you were involved in the Ireland team that lost to them (twice! ) in 1991 and that blood is pumping towards your face.

That result was of another time though . . .

Namibia were famously tonked 142-0 by Australia in Adelaide during the last World Cup, while Ireland offered a more humble thrashing in Sydney, winning 64-7. This side is capable of a more expansive game, and a more emphatic hammering. Namibia went to South Africa a few weeks ago and got their arses handed to them (running out of phrases heref) 105-13. Georgia are the more imposing minnow in Ireland's group on paper, having beaten Namibia 26-18 in June. Eddie O'Sullivan's selection shows a willingness to get off to a "ier, and while this column has its doubts about his side playing beyond the pool stages, the likes of Denis Hickie (right) and Andrew Trimble will be "red up, full of running and well able to help put 70 or 80 points on the lowest ranked team in the tournament.

ALREADY ADVISED Ireland to fail to get past the pool stages 5-2 (Paddy Power)

BACK CHICAGO BEARS TO WIN SUPER BOWL XLII (EACH WAY) 14-1 Odds quoted are from Paddy Power

While the rugby lads go about their business en France, their gridiron cousins are padding up, ready for a new NFL season. Last year's Super Bowl champions, the Indianapolis Colts, got off to a flier on Thursday, putting 41 points on the New Orleans Saints. After a mass clearout of their defence, many felt the Colts were an unlikely repeat, but a superb display and a scintillating second half from quarterback Peyton Manning has seen them come in to 6-1 second favourites, behind perennial jollies the New England Patriots. Next in line are San Diego, who feature the league's most exciting talent in running back LaDainian Tomlinson, but the Chargers bottled it in the post-season last year and have shown a tendency to fall away when it matters most. This column has a hankering for the Chicago Bears, particularly as they seem hugely overpriced at 14-1. They fell at the final hurdle last year, and if you ignore 'the curse of the runner-up' (Seattle are the only side in six years to even make it to the play-offs after losing a Super Bowl the previous year) they have a better shout than most.

Quarterback Rex Grossman can only improve, while Devin Hester may revel in a new receiving role. They also have, statistically at least, the second easiest run in the competition.