Doyle searches for answers as Irish simply shredded

Philip Doyle sensed the nerves in the warm-up, but they had never been a cause for concern in the past.

Doyle searches for answers as Irish simply shredded

These players had proven themselves in big games before. Squeezing through against Italy in a soggy downpour and claiming the Grand Slam last year stood out. So too last week’s three-point defeat of New Zealand.

In retrospect, he acceded that maybe the thin air of a World Cup semi-final had messed with his players’ heads, but the mechanics of this dispiriting loss were far easier to account for than the possible source of the general malaise.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Unlimited access. Half the price.

Annual €120 €60

Best value

Monthly €10€5 / month

More in this section

Sport

Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers. and reporters

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited