Finnigan: Ireland will rise again

SIMON FINNIGAN insists Ireland will overcome the “devastation” of their two-point defeat by Tonga to make another important contribution to the 2008 World Cup.

The plucky Irish pushed a star-studded Tonga all the way in a truly memorable opening Pool C match at Parramatta before conceding a late try and going down 22-20. Ireland now need Samoa to beat their South Pacific neighbours in Penrith on Friday to keep alive their hopes of claiming the fourth semi-final berth.

It remains a big ask but Andy Kelly’s men have a full week to get over a defeat that left them shattered.