Heroes emerge from below the radar

THE World Cup has been turned on its head and Ireland are the talk of New Zealand.

After what happened in Eden Park last Saturday, if the IRFU applied to host the 2019 tournament they would probably get unanimous support from the IRB. The Irish are so popular at present — their magnificent supporters as much as the team — anything is possible.

The IRB will certainly thank Brian O Driscoll’s men for setting the World Cup alight and for rewriting the script for the next few weeks. With one giant stride and Australia re-routed down the side of the draw containing fellow Tri Nations contenders New Zealand and South Africa, the cosy cartel that looked certain to produce the two finalists has been smashed apart. They now have to get their heads around the fact that one of our own Six Nations sides are on course for the final on October 23 — and that could be anyone of Wales, France, England or Ireland.