THE countdown has well and truly started. In 100 days the fun and games will commence. So what can Ireland do when the action gets underway?
Ireland have never progressed beyond a Rugby World Cup quarter final
Robbie Henshaw excelled for Ireland during the RBS Six Nations. Photo: INPHO.Ireland will bring hope and expectation into this tournament.
That has been the case before too, but Joe Schmidt has constructed a team capable of eking out wins in tight games. Such cool and calculated composure must be demonstrated in the autumn because Ireland are seeking to go boldly where no previous team from the country has gone before. Getting beyond the quarter final stage in a Rugby World Cup would bring Ireland into unchartered territory.
The importance of winning Pool D
Jamie Heaslip during Ireland's RBS Six Nations clash with France at the Aviva Stadium. Photo: INPHO.France, Canada, Italy, and Romania sit alongside Ireland in Pool D.
If Ireland manage to top the group a quarter final clash with New Zealand should be avoided. Ultimately it means that the matches with France and Italy promise to be as tasty as they are relevant.
Recent Six Nations campaigns provide Ireland with significant hope, but there is no denying the importance of the Pool games. Each and every one matters starting at the Millenium Stadium on September 19 when Ireland clash with Canada. Then Romania and Italy are next on the agenda. Already it looks as if the final group tussle with France could be defining.
Lessons learned in 2007
Isaac Boss in action during Ireland's nervy 2007 win over Georgia in France. Photo: INPHO.There were similar levels of optimism in Ireland. A thumping Six Nations Croke Park triumph over England suggested Ireland possessed the necessary skills to make a bold bid for World Cup honours.
What actually happened in the tournament, though, still causes ex Irish rugby stars unease. It proved to be a disastrous campaign in France packed with tension and awkward moments. Georgia caused Ireland all sorts of problems. Defeats to France and Argentina, though, ensured Ireland went home early.
Joe Schmidt’s collection of silverware
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt. Photo: INPHO.Has Ireland ever entered a Rugby World Cup with such a decorated and respected coach? Since 2011 Schmidt has guided Leinster to two European Cups, one Pro 12, and Ireland to Six Nations glory in 2014 and 2015. That is a stunning level of consistency.
O’Connell’s last stand
Paul O'Connell. Photo: INPHO.Legends of Irish rugby continue to leave the international stage. Paul O’Connell has announced his intention to retire from Ireland duty following the World Cup. So what kind of a finish will O’Connell have to his Irish career?
