Taking a deeper look at Ireland’s performance in the Rugby World Cup and what the future holds after the departure of Johnny Sexton

Ireland’s World Cup journey concluded with their all-too-familiar exit in the quarter-finals. Despite entering the tournament as the top-ranked team globally, Andy Farrell’s squad couldn’t make a breakthrough in the knockout stage.

In this analysis, we delve into Ireland’s World Cup campaign.

Tournament Results

Ireland’s campaign began with routine victories in their easier fixtures. They started with a bang, setting a national record by thrashing Romania 82-8 in Bordeaux. This was followed by another bonus-point win, a 59-16 triumph over Tonga in Nantes.

Ireland’s statement victory came with a 13-8 win over South Africa, giving the Six Nations champions control of Pool B. The team returned to Paris to convincingly win an elimination match against Scotland with a score of 36-14.

However, their remarkable 17-match winning streak came to a heart-wrenching end with a 28-24 loss to New Zealand in the Stade de France, continuing their quarter-final curse.

Squad Selection

Coach Andy Farrell maintained remarkable consistency in his squad selections, making minimal changes and fielding a nearly full-strength team in each match. The team had the luxury of relatively few injuries among their first-choice starters throughout the tournament.

However, injuries to hooker Dan Sheehan and back-rower Jack Conan, who were recovering from foot issues, and the absence of lock James Ryan in the quarter-final against the All Blacks raised questions about the lack of rotation.

Captain Johnny Sexton, who arrived in France after a nearly six-month absence due to injury and suspension, was among the 10 players who started every game, while 12 squad members did not start a single match.

Standout Players

Bundee Aki, the colossal center, was in the form of his life, playing every minute and scoring five tries in as many appearances, including one against his native New Zealand. Aki received two man-of-the-match awards and was among the tournament’s top performers.

Lock Tadhg Beirne also delivered eye-catching performances, with consistent contributions from Garry Ringrose and Hugo Keenan.

Veteran fly-half Johnny Sexton set records, becoming Ireland’s all-time leading points scorer before ending his illustrious career in a heartbreaking fashion. Dan Sheehan and Mack Hansen shone when available.

The Future

Andy Farrell’s current contract extends until 2025, but many of his disappointed players spoke of the end of an era following their elimination.

Test centurions Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls are retiring, and many others in the 33-man squad aged 30 or above won’t be available for the 2027 tournament in Australia. Despite this, there is reason for optimism.

Emerging talents like Leinster lock Joe McCarthy and Munster fly-half Jack Crowley are part of an exciting new generation, while established stars like Sheehan, Caelan Doris, and Keenan can continue to excel.

Additionally, Ireland’s pathway program has been impressive, with their under-20 side achieving back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slam championships, including one in 2019.

 

Five All Blacks Included in the Rugby World Cup Team of the Tournament…

In the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup final, featuring reigning champions South Africa against the three-time winners New Zealand, the PA news agency has assembled a lineup of standout players from the tournament.

1. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand): A two-time world player of the year who set the bar high for playmaking full-backs.
2. Damian Penaud (France): An audacious wing who led the try-scoring charts until Will Jordan’s outstanding performance against Argentina.
3. Waisea Nayacalevu (Fiji): The captain of the Fijian team, who shone in a backline filled with lethal runners.
4. Bundee Aki (Ireland): A top candidate for player of the tournament due to his powerful running, intelligent line choices, and slick footwork.
5. Will Jordan (New Zealand): A ruthless finisher who joins the ranks of legends like Jonah Lomu with eight tries to his name.
6. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand): The most complete fly-half in the game, known for his creativity and excellent game management.
7. Aaron Smith (New Zealand): Despite his small stature, one of the World Cup’s brightest minds and a standout performer.
8. Ox Nche (South Africa): Although often on the bench, he’s a formidable scrummager who makes a significant impact when he enters the field.
9. Mike Tadjer (Portugal): A versatile front-row player who played a crucial role in the shocking victory over Fiji.
10. Ben Tameifuna (Tonga): A massive tighthead prop weighing 23st 11lbs with both scrummaging and carrying abilities.
11. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa): A fierce enforcer in the second row, still considered one of the game’s best despite an off-night against England.
12. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland): A reliable presence for Ireland, demonstrating determination whether in the lock or second-row position.
13. Courtney Lawes (England): A back-row warrior with a sharp rugby IQ, excelling in the most significant matches.
14. Jac Morgan (Wales): A powerful flanker who displayed a level of maturity beyond his years in leading Wales to the quarter-finals.
15. Ardie Savea (New Zealand): Although Ben Earl of England was a strong contender, Savea stands out as a class above the rest.