Kidney: We must learn quickly

IRELAND coach Declan Kidney admitted his side “just have to get better” after Saturday night’s seven-point loss to France in Bordeaux.

Kidney refused to be cheered by a vastly improved second-half performance in the 19-12 defeat and insisted that plenty of lessons must be absorbed from defeat as they finalise plans for next month’s World Cup.

The hosts looked like World Cup contenders as they raced into a 13-0 lead with some outstanding rugby, capped by Vincent Clerc’s try. But they fell away in the second half and Ireland took advantage by staging a fightback inspired by Ronan O’Gara that ultimately fell short. But for Kidney this was a glorious opportunity lost.