‘We don’t know why we fell apart’

BEFORE a select group of Ireland players filed through the mixed zone of the Parc des Princes, their counterparts had sung and chanted loudly on their way to interviews with the huge South American media pack.

Elated and overjoyed, the Argentine’s happiness could not have contrasted more with the expressions of the Irish still coming to grips with elimination from the Rugby World Cup.

The ‘Golden Generation’ amongst whom Gordon D’Arcy has become a key figure in the renaissance of the game in Ireland seemed to be on a downward spiral.

But the Wexford man says the squad will need to reflect on a horror World Cup – but vowed: “We’ll be back stronger”.

The centre, who has had a quiet tournament by his high standards, felt the game looked be turning in favour of the Irish when Brian O’Driscoll and Geordan Murphy touched down for tries.

“Right from the point when Brian got over for a try and also when Wally (David Wallace) put Geordy (Geordan Murphy) away, I felt then it was going to be one of those games when it was going to tick over for us.

“I thought everything would come good and we were going to get the four tries. But that never materialised.”

D’Arcy felt yesterday’s display against Los Pumas was an improved Irish performance, despite the fact they were beaten by double scores.

“We played better but we didn’t play well enough.”

However if this World Cup is the first sign of a team in decline, D’Arcy is confident they can bounce back after a forgettable month in France.

“This isn’t a team that has changed much in six months. We’ll get back together at some stage, we’ve a lot of thinking to do, individual reflection to do. That’s a major part of it but I think this team is going to come back strong.”

He added: “It’s hard to swallow because we didn’t become a bad team overnight. We don’t become bad as individuals in the space of four months. It’s hard to know why it’s not going well. We don’t know why we came to the World Cup as one of the tournament’s favourites and fell apart. It hurts because we don’t know why we didn’t shine.”

He believes there will be a few changes in playing personnel and paid tribute to his Leinster and Ireland teammate, Denis Hickie, who retired from rugby after yesterday’s 30-15 defeat in the Parc des Princes.

“There’s going to be a little turnover in players. Denis Hickie played his last game of rugby. It’s an absolute crying shame that today was his last game of rugby. He was probably one of the best out and out wingers in the world.”

D’Arcy also came out strongly in support of coach Eddie O’Sullivan, who is sure to face some stiff questions following a shambolic campaign.

“People have very short memories. Six months ago we almost won a Grand Slam, and Eddie could do no wrong. Obviously this didn’t go according to plan, but people have very short memories. People should remember what Eddie has done for this team and for Irish rugby.”