Tragedy as Murphy robbed of chance to star as wizard of Oz

Scotland 10 Ireland 29

But Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan's instant reaction to the broken leg that will keep Geordan Murphy out of the World Cup, and away from the game for up to six months, did seem apposite in the context of Saturday's final warm-up match against Scotland at Murrayfield.

The Leicester full-back was a shoo-in for O'Sullivan's squad, named yesterday and many good judges, including the Irish coach himself, considered the hard grounds of Sydney and Canberra arenas fitting for one of the most exciting talents in the world.