Making it big in Japan all that matters for team of fuss

“For us we would certainly encourage the genuine supporter not to lose faith with the team; the team will definitely turn up in Japan,” said the Irish rugby team’s coach, Joe Schmidt, in a press conference after the loss to Wales in Cardiff last weekend.

DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN? Cian Healy, Conor Murray, and Dave Kilcoyne ponder where it all went wrong after Ireland’s defeat to Wales in Cardiff last weekend. However, Paul Rouse believes Ireland’s current issues can be resolved in time for the World Cup. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan