Knock Out Rugby World Cup

We’ve been here before; too many times, in fact. At this stage, they might as well have the boarding passes printed off and ready to hand to the players once the quarter-finals are over. Ireland, once again, made the last eight at the Rugby World Cup, but once again, could make it no further.

 

 

New Zealand’s 46-14 victory was just as comprehensive as the scoreline suggests; from the opening exchanges, they beat the men in green all ends up. The post-mortem will be lengthy – that’s the nature of these things, after all! – but a few of the key talking points are already clear. So as we prepare for the semi-finals – England v New Zealand on Saturday, followed by Wales v South Africa on Sunday, both from 8am on eir Sport 1, Virgin TV 410 – we’ve pondered the primary headline-makers as Ireland exit stage left…

 

A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

 

No small amount of criticism after the game centred on the predictable team selection, and the misguided hope that Ireland would recapture the form of 2018. Of course, before the game there was no shortage of talk focusing on the fact that every player in the starting line-up had experienced victory over the All Blacks, and that their sterling records made their selection a no-brainer. Being a coach is never an easy job, but it feels like there was no winning for Joe Schmidt on this one! And speaking of the (former) main man…

 

JOE LONG, FAREWELL

 

Since arriving in Irish rugby in 2010, Joe Schmidt revolutionised the game in this country; first, leading Leinster to two European crowns, before taking over at national level and leading the team to multiple Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam, and too many famous victories to mention here. It’s not how we wanted it to end, of course – but it’s important not to lose sight of the bigger picture; he leaves Irish rugby in a far better place than when he arrived…

 

THE FUKUROI FACTOR

 

The All Blacks represent the toughest test in world rugby; this much, we know. But it also wasn’t a give that Ireland would have to meet them – who’s to say how a matchup against South Africa would have unfolded. The quarter-final ties were essentially decided when Ireland met Japan at the Shizuoka Stadium in Fukuroi a few weeks ago – and, well, we know how that went. And while the team recovered to record solid wins in their remaining pool games, the damage was already done; in failing to secure top spot in the group, the challenge moved from difficult to darn near impossible…

 

SO…WHAT NOW?

 

Well, there’s four teams left in the tournament, and a pair of semi-final fixtures that should be absolute barnburners…but we know that’s not what Irish fans are talking about. No, it’s the start of the Andy Farrell era that’s dominating conversation here – and the hopes that he would be taking the reins on a high have not materialised. Rory Best might not be the only one of the old guard taking his leave, and a nucleus of young players could provide a spark moving ahead. Onwards and upwards – or at least we hope!

 

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