Ireland going home early

There, I've said it.

Ireland were woeful. France didn't play with absolute abandon, but never looked like losing, not in a million years. From 10 years ago it's odd to say that France were the better disciplined team, but they were all round. The little things, like knocks-on, the big things, like giving away penalties, even the ability to apply their game plan, which is less noticeable but still an expression of discipline, all were on the French side.

It wasn't perfect - Chabal isn't a natural lock, but can be an impact player as a lock I suspect, he's a better Number 8, but is he really better than Bonnaire? That's a hard call.

Ireland looked lost and bereft of plans, talent and self belief. Eddie O'Sullivan must be really pleased he signed his new 4 year contract already. It probably wouldn't be on the table still if he hadn't signed it. I wonder how long he'll actually keep the coaching post for?

England and Ireland probably both need to change coaches. Brian Ashton isn't getting the team to play well - whether that's also because he's not coaching what he truly believes or not I don't know, but England's talent isn't performing for him, and they still do have some talented players, even if they left loads of others behind, and the same is true of O'Sullivan. In O'Sullivan's case it's more surprising. Ashton inherited a team in disarray and managed to do a papering over the cracks exercise. The World Cup has exposed the cracks, and probably unfairly he won't get the next 4 years to try and fix them. But Ireland have looked like real potential semi-finalists, even finalists over the last 18 months or so, until they hit the big stage. France certainly choked, but have recovered (probably too late, but recovered some dignity and pride at least). Ireland have just choked and aren't showing signs of recovery. It's pretty much too late for them, except to spoil Argentina's party. Frankly, I don't think they can, not unless there's a miracle.