Paula followed the existing process in order to receive permission to play; it was thorough but easier than she expected. "Once they had all the information they needed, such as blood test results, it was fairly straightforward. Permission has to be granted every year under the current rules, so as it stands, I'll need to be assessed again at some point." Only three players in Ralf Souquet, Mika Immonen and Johnny Archer have played more Mosconi Cups to date than the North Carolina man and he has called on his team-mates to be ready for battle. "The advice and the conversations have been there throughout the week and that's fantastic." Gibson-Park's presence from the off means Munster's Conor Murray - who has played just under a half of rugby since the summer's Lions tour - begins among the replacements.