George Hook called the game “a sad day for Irish rugby,” but captain Brian O’Driscoll promised disappointed supporters that the team have a lot more to offer.
“We didn’t play well, we had to fight for our win. I suppose we got the win but we have a hell of a lot to improve on.”
But what do you think? Are Ireland just getting warmed up and heading in the right direction? Or are we heading for a repeat of France 2007?
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Have your say by voting in our poll and by leaving your comments below.
After this morning’s stuttering performance, how do you feel about Ireland’s World Cup prospects?
Poll Results:
I agree with BOD -- we weren't great, but we'll improve. (442)
We'll struggle to get out of the pool at this rate. (304)
Played one, won one. That's all that matters. (146)
I’m sick of the usual ‘kick in the teeth’ attitude from the general public. Is it so difficult to take positives from the USA game? Apart from Tony Buckley everyone came through unscathed. Ferris, Bowe, D’Arcy and O’Driscoll are looking fit and strong. Did Ireland lose the game?
Still haunted by the backlash after the last World Cup they’ve got the first game (and win) under their belts, the nerves can settle and next up is Australia who were made look ordinary by an awful Italian team for 50 minutes. Changes will be made for the Australian game, as was always going to be the case, but for an opening game the result was the most important thing. Who cares what the media and general public thinks, it’s how the result effects confidence within the camp that counts.
Irish supporters across all codes have become greedy thanks to the success of Irish sportsmen and sportswomen around the world. For such a small country we have the ability to be world beaters in any sport on any given day. But the win that all Irish supporters crave is always made more difficult when the support isn’t there.
It’s no secret that we are a laughing stock economically thanks to our political choices over the years but let’s not drag that same negativity into the one thing that can keep us all united as a country, SPORT. Come Saturday I’ll still be in front of the TV screaming as though I’m in New Zealand because for 80 minutes I can block out my own financial worries and unselfishly support the Ireland rugby team with pride.
Its so frustrating to see a talented team, full of European champions, playing so far below their ability Vs USA. I really think the reason is down to the Irish nerves and fear of losing. This results in players trying to play via a strict plan as opposed to playing through natural instinct. We try to play it safe. Heaslip is a perfect example, on a good day, he reads a game so well and knows exactly when to make runs and passes. Yesterday, I think he froze – why didn’t he pick off the go-forward scrum?
If we can loose the nerves, relax and play with confidence we can beat the likes of Australia and RSA.
By the great words of Yoda: “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering”
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I’m sick of the usual ‘kick in the teeth’ attitude from the general public. Is it so difficult to take positives from the USA game? Apart from Tony Buckley everyone came through unscathed. Ferris, Bowe, D’Arcy and O’Driscoll are looking fit and strong. Did Ireland lose the game?
Still haunted by the backlash after the last World Cup they’ve got the first game (and win) under their belts, the nerves can settle and next up is Australia who were made look ordinary by an awful Italian team for 50 minutes. Changes will be made for the Australian game, as was always going to be the case, but for an opening game the result was the most important thing. Who cares what the media and general public thinks, it’s how the result effects confidence within the camp that counts.
Irish supporters across all codes have become greedy thanks to the success of Irish sportsmen and sportswomen around the world. For such a small country we have the ability to be world beaters in any sport on any given day. But the win that all Irish supporters crave is always made more difficult when the support isn’t there.
It’s no secret that we are a laughing stock economically thanks to our political choices over the years but let’s not drag that same negativity into the one thing that can keep us all united as a country, SPORT. Come Saturday I’ll still be in front of the TV screaming as though I’m in New Zealand because for 80 minutes I can block out my own financial worries and unselfishly support the Ireland rugby team with pride.
C’mon Ireland!!!
Delusion, Italy waiting in the not so long grass licking their lips…uh-ohhhhhh
slumbering green giants,will wake up and run amok,sorry GEORGE HOOK
I wish they’d stop hitting the snooze button then.
Its so frustrating to see a talented team, full of European champions, playing so far below their ability Vs USA. I really think the reason is down to the Irish nerves and fear of losing. This results in players trying to play via a strict plan as opposed to playing through natural instinct. We try to play it safe. Heaslip is a perfect example, on a good day, he reads a game so well and knows exactly when to make runs and passes. Yesterday, I think he froze – why didn’t he pick off the go-forward scrum?
If we can loose the nerves, relax and play with confidence we can beat the likes of Australia and RSA.
By the great words of Yoda: “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering”
Comon Ireland – NO FEAR.
Just hope that Australia aren’t rampant next week …