WITH a World Cup coming down with batting records, Ireland's bowling attack isn't the only one to come under huge pressure.

But even in the wins over West Indies and UAE the faults were obvious and they were exposed by South Africa's 201 thrashing.

While coach Phil Simmons has loyally stood by his struggling seamers, he will need to make changes for the vital game against Zimbabwe on Saturday.

Kevin O'Brien bowled the most expensive seven-over spell ever, conceding 95 (previous worst: 74), while Max Sorensen bowled the most expensive six-over spell ever, giving away 76.

O'Brien and John Mooney will keep their places as key batsmen too, but Sorensen is likely to lose out after conceding 200 runs off his 24 overs.

With the Bellerive Oval in Hobart likely to be of assistance early on, Simmons needs to get his seam attack right, and could even omit spinner Andrew McBrine again in another horses-for-courses switch.

The two horses who are occupying Simmons thoughts most are Young Player of the Year Craig Young, mysteriously overlooked so far, and 21-year-old DCU student Peter Chase.

“I'm raring to go”, Chase told the Star yesterday. “I'm just waiting for the opportunity and I think I'm ready to take it.”

The 6'4” Malahide bowler has been talked of as a future star for some years, but only sprang into the Ireland set up in the last eight months.

His debut against Sri Lanka A was disappointing however, and he was dropped for the series against Scotland in September.

In the meantime he had been called up for his debut at Durham and seized his opportunity.

He took 5-62 against Nottinghamshire to clinch a vital win for his county and followed up with 2-8, 2-47 and 2-29. His late run meant he finished the season on top of the Division One averages, a fantastic achievement.

“It was so unexpected and then obviously I just had a good run of form, and I kept going with it. The Irish selectors gave me a chance and I'm taking it.”

Chase was called up for the acclimatisation tour and showed enough form to win a place in the 15-man squad ahead of Sorensen.

Now he has a chance to crown his first World Cup with what will be only his fourth cap - and his only previous ODI was rained off without a ball bowled.

“It's been an unbelievable experience,” he admits. "Seeing different places and grounds and being around these lads.

“I've been going quite good in the nets but it's a tough team to get into so I have to keep working hard.”

Chase has an uncomplicated attitude to his bowling, and dismisses talk that he been tinkering with his action or run-up.

“Not really, I've been doing a few small things but nothing major. Just to run in and bowl quick is what I'm trying to do.”

The Sports Science and Health student has missed one semester at DCU, but explains that the second semester is work placement --- “and I'm doing that with Cricket Ireland!”

Chase enjoys pace and bounce, with his large frame a gift from the gods.

“I'm a bit different to most bowlers,” he says. “I've never had the speed gun on me but I bring something a bit different to the team.

“There is a bit of bounce and speed in the pitches, and I love a bit of bounce, if the ball is carrying through I'll be happy enough.

“I'm raring to go, just waiting for the opportunity. I think I'm ready to take it.”