Gaffney: Job only half done

FAILING to reach the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals having achieved the biggest win in Ireland’s history would be “criminal”, according to the country’s assistant coach Alan Gaffney.

The Irish win over Australia at Eden Park on Saturday night has left Declan Kidney’s side in pole position at the top of Pool C with two games of the qualifying stages remaining.

Wins over Russia on Sunday in Rotorua and then Italy in Dunedin on October 2 would see Ireland sail into the more favourable side of the World Cup draw, with a probable quarter-final against Wales in Wellington the following week and familiar possible opposition in the last four in Six Nations rivals England or France.