Mad Wednesday was how Australian Rugby Union Media Officer Strath Gordon described a hectic day that saw Ireland's crack of dawn arrival after a final 30-minute bumpy ride into Sydney Airport quickly followed by Romania, Argentina and Namibia, who along with residents Australia make up Ireland's tough group, from which two Nations will emerge to the knock out stages.

Ireland team doctor, Gary O'Driscoll - a son of the former Ireland full back Barry - ordered a rest for the squad after breakfast - but the battle to stave off the effects of jet-lag then saw the boys re-emerge and onto the coach to the local Central Coast Grammar School for a light work out under the direction of fitness coach Mike McGurn..and under heavy rain.

The unexpected conditions - given that Australia heads towards its summer - were compounded by a chilly breeze. The irony was that it was their first time to train in the rain since a downpour marred the end of a session in Perth last June when they were preparing to play Australia on their Summer Tour.