One week has elapsed since Ireland’s exit from the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup, marking their eighth loss at this stage and maintaining a record of never clinching victory in a knockout game. As we dissect the performance of the Irish team we are confronted with a pressing question: how should we assess their achievements?

Inarguably, this is the most well-equipped and well-funded team in the history of Irish sports. No detail has been overlooked, and no expense spared. They likely held the distinction of being the best-resourced squad in this year’s World Cup.

Building on the lessons of nine prior Rugby World Cups, the IRFU has used each setback as a stepping stone to the next four-year cycle, constantly evolving and learning from past tournaments.

The accumulated wisdom from the years spanning 1999 to 2019 has culminated in the assembly of an expertly curated coaching team and support staff. Coupled with access to state-of-the-art training facilities and accommodations, this formidable arsenal of expertise was meticulously constructed to leave no room for errors. It would indeed be surprising to hear of any “Saipan moments” within the team, either in the lead-up to the tournament or during its course.

Road map for the next World Cup

As the IRFU embarks on a tournament review, a roadmap that will likely shape their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, it’s a moment to ask what improvements are possible. One fundamental aspect to scrutinise is the depth of our squad, a crucial factor for any successful campaign. To understand the true essence of our performance, Andy Farrell must confront an essential question: was he content with the squad’s depth?

The answer to this inquiry demands honesty because, upon close examination, the evidence doesn’t seem to support contentment. For Ireland to move on, they must fortify their squad depth across the board. 

A case in point is the position of the hooker, where Ireland’s depth chart stands as an envy-inducing model for most teams. The likes of Kelleher, Sheehan, and Herring can perform at the highest level of the game. However, this depth isn’t mirrored across every position. Instances like Porter’s 76-minute grind in a fiercely competitive test match quarter-final and Johnny Sexton’s full 80-minute performance beg the question: were these the right calls at the time, or was it due to a shortage of readily available replacements?

The phrase "world-class" is often used when referring to coaching and support staff. But how do we substantiate this claim? How can we truly be certain of such assertions?

 The IRFU review must scrutinise existing methodologies and work processes, comparing them not only within the rugby world but also against benchmarks set in other sports. If it emerges that we are indeed leading the pack in each area, Farrell must then explore how to eke out that extra one per cent of improvement, seeking innovation within each domain.

The winning of the Grand Slam this year is emblematic of the excellence inherent in this group, but excellence is a constantly evolving concept. Farrell must cast a discerning eye toward the future, continuously seeking ways to improve the squad and staff. Farrell needs to assess if the team would benefit from fresh voices and novel ideas in various facets of the playing and management group.

Farrell must contemplate the path forward 

Ireland's multi-phase game plan, a blueprint that led to a triumphant Grand Slam in 2023, a historic test series victory in New Zealand, and significant wins over rugby powerhouses such as South Africa (twice) and Australia, elevated the team to the coveted number one spot in the World rankings.  

This is the team that came within a held-up maul of pulling off an elusive quarter-final win. Now, Farrell must contemplate the path forward: should he maintain the course that has borne fruit, or does he need to unearth an extra gear to further elevate the team's performance? The impending departure of Jonathan Sexton, a talismanic figure in Irish rugby, adds a layer of complexity to the equation.

In the wake of Sexton's departure, Farrell faces monumental decisions regarding squad selection. Does he opt for incremental changes, focusing solely on finding a worthy successor to Sexton, or must he grapple with the more profound question of transitioning away from the old guard that has served the team exceptionally well, such as Murray, Healy, and O'Mahony? Six of this current squad will be over 37 years of age by the time the next World Cup rolls around. 

With the Six Nations looming on the horizon, starting with a challenging away fixture against France in February, the timing of such a move warrants careful consideration.

Lineouts present a big challenge

Most of Ireland's game is currently top-class, such as their accuracy at the breakdown, ability to dominate possession and field position through ball-carrying, and their proficiency in executing exit plays. However, it's evident that there were areas in which they lagged behind the top-tier teams. These shortcomings need further assessment and maybe even a fresh approach.

One glaring issue was the lineout, which presented challenges throughout the tournament. Ireland's struggles were notably pronounced, losing 14 lineouts in total, a stark contrast to the mere single lineout loss by New Zealand.

Additionally, scrum time became a thorny issue during last Saturday’s match, leading to unfavourable decisions from the referee. We conceded nine scrum penalties in the tournament. 

In addition to these concerns, there is a pressing need for a reboot and innovative strategies in our short-range and attacking kicking game. Our attempts at strike play attacks off scrums yielded no tries in the World Cup, a deficiency that can no longer be overlooked.

Notably, Ireland stood out as one of the few teams in the tournament that failed to score a single try from scrums, while New Zealand, in stark contrast, managed to convert scrum situations into ten valuable tries.

Addressing these shortcomings requires not only a comprehensive analysis of our game but also a willingness to embrace fresh thinking and innovative approaches. The goal is to ensure that Ireland remains competitive at the highest level of rugby and continues to evolve, learning from these setbacks and striving for excellence in all facets of the game.

In the world of sport, the ultimate desire is, of course, to stand on the victorious side of history. However, there's a distinct element in the Irish supporters' psyche that places unwavering value on the sheer effort, the unwavering determination that athletes bring to their game. While we all yearn for triumph, we also hold dear the ethos of unyielding endeavour and the indomitable spirit that defines our sporting heroes.

However, as the Irish faithful grapples with the aftermath of this quarter-final heartbreak, it prompts a reflection on the fine line that separates achievement from failure.

As a nation, we should stand tall and take immense pride in the efforts of these men who represented us on the world stage. Their unwavering commitment, and their refusal to leave anything behind, speaks volumes about their character and their deep-rooted love for the sport and the country they represent. It's a reminder that in the face of adversity, true champions emerge not just in victory but in the pain of defeat.

The Currency’s coverage of the Rugby World Cup is sponsored by Interpath Advisory.

Interpath Advisory supports businesses, their investors, and stakeholders with critical financial advisory and restructuring services.  Enhanced by technology, Interpath’s purpose is to create, defend, preserve, sustain, and grow value. Interpath in Ireland operates across 3 offices in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast.