Carney predicts tough test for the Irish

Dual code international Brian Carney is predicting that Ireland will face a tough test on Sunday when they face Lebanon.

Ireland lost to Wales 42-12 at Pontypridd on Sunday and have been training at Wilderspool this week in preparation for their ranking clash with the Cedars at Brewery Field, Bridgend on November 8 (12.15pm).

Carney, the former Great Britain Rugby League and Ireland rugby union winger, said: “I met a couple of the Irish lads after their training in Warrington and they are bitterly disappointed. Their coach has also emphasized his disappointment in no uncertain terms.

“Lebanon will be a very difficult team to beat if they get a foothold in the game but I expect Ireland to try and produce the shape in attack they showed last Sunday but maintain it for 80 minutes.

“The enthusiasm to defend was missing for large parts of that game and that has to change to win this game.

“The Ireland middle third will need to work as a unit to dominate the big Lebanese forwards and starve their talented playmaker George Ndeira of possession.”

Lebanon were beaten 22-10 by Scotland in atrocious conditions in Glasgow last Sunday to finish second in Group One and set up the Finals Day clash with Ireland which will help determine the seedings for the 2010 European Cup.

Tickets for the rugbyleague.com European Cup Finals Day are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions with a family ticket priced at £25 and these are available by calling 08448 561 115 or visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk.

rugbyleague.com European Cup Finals Day

10.30am – Serbia v Italy – The Old Parish, Maesteg RFC
12.15pm – Lebanon v Ireland – Brewery Field, Bridgend
4.00pm – European Cup Final – Wales v Scotland – Brewery Field, Bridgend (on Sky Sports 3 from 3.30pm)