JOE Keyes is building up to make his World Cup bow for Ireland on Sunday.

The Bulls half-back will receive his sixth cap for the Wolfhounds when they take on Wales in Perth.

Mark Aston's men have impressed in the tournament so far, beating Italy 36-12 and then running Papua New Guinea close in a physical encounter in Port Moresby where they were beaten 14-6.

Keyes was not involved in either but has been confirmed in Ireland's 17 for a fixture they are tipped to win comfortably.

Wales, captained by former Bulls star Craig Kopczak, have endured a torrid time in the southern hemisphere. They have shipped 122 points in heavy losses to Papua New Guinea and Mick Potter's Fiji, scoring just two tries themselves.

Meanwhile, Keyes' former Odsal team-mate Iliess Macani yesterday trained with his new club Sheffield Eagles for the first time.

The winger, who passed 100 career appearances in the Bulls' win at Dewsbury in the penultimate game of last season, has signed a one-year deal to stay in the Championship.

Macani, who came through the London Broncos system, scored ten tries in 22 games during his season at Odsal. One of those came in a 32-18 win over Sheffield.

Assistant coach Keith Senior believes the 23-year-old's pace out wide and scoring ability will play a big part as Sheffield return to the city in their new home at the Olympic Legacy Park.

Senior said: "He is a valuable addition to us in what will be a very difficult competition in 2018."

Macani added: "I love playing this game and I consider myself privileged to be a part of it."