‘I wonder: do Ireland think they’re a team?’

WE thought Ireland’s World Cup odyssey couldn’t get any worse; that the nightmare against Namibia was just a blip, but it did get worse on Saturday as Ireland struggled to put a third-tier nation to the sword.

Georgia, ranked 17 in the IRB world table, are so under-resourced that up to a few years ago they had to use old Soviet tractors as scrum machines. They have no professional league and there are only eight rugby pitches in the country. This was also Georgia’s second team after their coach made 11 changes following their 33-3 defeat by Argentina on Tuesday.

It was a surreal night in Bordeaux and one that saw rank outsiders Georgia come within minutes of creating the biggest upset in international rugby when a TMO decision ruled out a possible push-over try.

The “Lelos” led 10-7 after 45 minutes when Peter Stringer saw his telegraphed pass inside the Georgian “22” intercepted by Giorgi Shkinin, who ran 70 metres under the posts. Irish supporters were numbed; but the small Georgian support and large French following chanted “Geor-gie” “Geor-gie” as Ireland stared into the World Cup abyss.

A 58th minute Girvan Dempsey try, converted by Ronan O’Gara, saved Ireland’s blushes, but Eddie O’Sullivan’s side had to defend like dogs in the final 10 minutes to repel wave after wave of Georgia attacks.

Afterwards Eddie O’Sullivan gave Alistair Campbell a run for his money in terms of media spin, saying it was “an improved performance”. Outside the stadium the green horde was seething.

“Georgia should have won it hands down,” said Chris from Tipperary. “They were the better team and showed Ireland up for what they really are. A shambles.”

His friend Tom also had some choice words.

“I’m just wondering: do Ireland think they’re a team? Do they think they’re world-beaters playing like that because that was the biggest disgrace I’ve ever seen in an Irish jersey. They’ve no heart whatsoever.

“They’re trying to beat the world and they can’t even beat Georgia by more than four points.”

All roads now lead to Paris for a meeting with France on Friday, but the depressing reality is that Ireland could be, metaphorically-speaking, guillotined by Les Bleus.