NUMBER CRUNCH: Do the stats back Ireland's scrum-half decision?

All the signs have been there: the pre-tournament contract extension, the ominous warm-up performances, the stalled momentum…

NUMBER CRUNCH: Do the stats back Ireland's scrum-half decision?
Wed, 16 Sep, 2015 - 01:00
Stephen Barry

Is Joe Schmidt going to follow in the footsteps of Kidney and O’Sullivan, and every other Ireland World Cup squad since 1987, in failing to make the semis?

Not alone that, have we witnessed the Joe Schmidt paradox, a risk-averse brand of rugby but a risk-taking squad selection?

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CourtsRugbyRWC15Person: Joe SchmidtPerson: KidneyPerson: O’SullivanPerson: SchmidtPerson: Ian MadiganPerson: Conor MurrayPerson: Eoin ReddanPerson: MurrayPerson: Joe MarlerPerson: MadiganPerson: Russ PettyPerson: Isaac BossPerson: Eddie O’SullivanPerson: Jimmy CowanPerson: Richardt StraussPerson: Jerry FlanneryPerson: Damien VarleyPerson: Frankie SheahanPerson: FlanneryPerson: Warren GatlandPerson: Michael CheikaEvent: 2011 World CupOrganisation: IrelandOrganisation: IRELAND World CupOrganisation: RussiaOrganisation: New ZealandOrganisation: WalesOrganisation: AustraliaOrganisation: ArgentinaOrganisation: England
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Donal Lenihan
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