Reasons for Ireland to be fearful in rugby World Cup

With that tantalising World Cup clash between Ireland and France cemented in the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but watch the respective performances of Clermont Auvergne and Leinster over the weekend in the context of that crucial Pool D encounter.

Ireland’s prospects of making a first World Cup semi-final will be dictated by the outcome of that game against the French. Win and a quarter-final against Argentina beckons.

That’s manageable if not straightforward against a side that is showing continual improvement as a result of their annual involvement in the Rugby Championship. Lose and New Zealand awaits. At this point in time let’s just say — less manageable.