Irish Rugby: A Complete Shambles?
As Ireland crash out of the World Cup, a nation is left baffled.
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Before the Irish rugby team traveled to Biarritz, France, we were told that they were going to France to win the World Cup. Yes, that’s right, the Irish players said that they believed they were capable of winning. When you look back at the results of the past 18 months, that isn’t entirely unbelievable. Ireland ran New Zealand close, twice. They beat Australia and South Africa in consecutive games, and then racked up over 60 points against the Pacific Islanders.
And then the Six Nations came along. Ireland scored 6 tries and 43 points against England’s strongest 15. Yes, the reigning World Champions (somewhat weaker than when they won, I must admit), conceded 6 tries and more than 40 points against “little, old Ireland”. Then, Ireland came within a single try of winning the Six Nations on points difference. Some St. Patrick’s Day that was, racking up over 50 points against Italy. That score-line included 8 tries by the Irish. In the end, it took a last-minute try by the French to take the title away from Ireland.
And so started the World Cup, with the Irish, understandably, buzzing. First game of the Pool stages: Namibia. Well, that ought to have been a good chance to rack up to points. Yeah? No, Ireland were lucky to get a bonus point and ended up winning by a measly 15 points.
Georgia next, and Ireland would have lost had if not have been for an extremely lucky movement by Denis Leamy to keep Georgia from scoring a try to put themselves ahead (again!). The match ended Georgia 10-14 Ireland.
France 25-3 Ireland. Well, it was still a massive improvement, defensively in particular. It wasn’t bad either, considering we were playing in France. But we lost, and all we scored was a single drop goal.
And so came the match against Argentina. We needed 4 tries to qualify for the knockout rounds. And it didn’t look good, especially when Argentina scored the first try. And then who replies? Well, Brian O’Driscoll of course, with his usual class and precision. Then he goes and creates a second try, and the Irish players and fans are thinking, that maybe today could be the day. Of course, Ireland end up losing 30-15. So, they return home, 3 matches (and 1 trophy) earlier than they were hoping.
Well, I guess that’s just rugby, hey?
