Letters

Rugby World Cup exit

Taking issue with Gordon D’Arcy’s assertion of the lack of depth in the Irish squad

Sat Oct 28 2023 - 04:15

Sir, – Most of us are probably tired of the analysis surrounding our recent World Cup exit, but I must take issue with Gordon D’Arcy’s assertion of the lack of depth in the Irish squad.

For the past two years of preparation for RWC 2023 and our achievements along the way, almost every pundit has applauded Andy Farrell and his development of an Irish squad with plenty of depth and with at least two potential players in every position. It’s a bit harsh now to contradict that so bluntly.

Whether or not Andy trusted that depth is a different argument. In my humble opinion there were three main reasons for our failure to beat New Zealand and reach the semi-final.

Despite the reassurance that the set-piece failings of our warm-up games would be addressed by our expert backroom team, it was plain to see that they remained an issue throughout the tournament.

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We failed to adequately protect our ruck ball against the All Blacks, despite knowing that this would be the key battleground. Finally, Johnny Sexton was clearly out on his feet for the last quarter of the game and failing to maintain his usual standard and impact.

While it would have been a difficult fray to enter at that point, maybe rolling the dice and giving Jack Crowley the opportunity would have opened up the New Zealand defence. Perhaps the squad and manager’s loyalty to their talisman lasted 15 minutes too long? – Yours, etc,

MICHAEL FITZGERALD,

Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

Sir, – In all the comments after Ireland’s defeat in the Rugby World Cup – and there were many – the most inane and unkind was that Ireland were “dumped out” of the tournament by New Zealand. The margin was just four points.

Does that merit such a crushing remark about such a great team? – Yours, etc,

MARGARET BUTLER

Booterstown,

Co Dublin.