Why Eddie’s revising his thinking

FROM the moment IRB chairman Syd Miller plucked the names of France and Argentina to join Ireland in Pool D, it was clear that Eddie O’Sullivan’s side had a battle on their hands to progress to the next phase.

What we failed to appreciate at the time was the competitive challenge that Namibia and Georgia would also bring to the table.

Namibia made every effort to spoil Ireland’s opening bow in this year’s tournament with a display of intense commitment and no mean skill last Saturday. If any of the Irish players watching Tuesday night’s fascinating game between Georgia and Argentina were anticipating an easier ride tomorrow, the performance of the former Russian state scuppered that notion.