No luck for Ireland

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has confirmed Geordan Murphy will miss next month’s World Cup after his inspirational full-back broke his leg in today’s 29-10 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

O’Sullivan had his worst fears confirmed after Murphy had been stretchered from the pitch midway through the first half after an innocuous tackle involving Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair.

The news completely overshadowed Ireland’s third successive warm-up victory and left O’Sullivan in despair.

“Geordan has a compound fracture of his tibia, which is tragic news,” admitted O’Sullivan.

“His recent form has been fantastic. The World Cup stage was made for him and I really believed he was going to be a star.

“His speed, agility and distribution are all world class and I am so sad for him.

“World Cups only come round every four years and it would have been the peak of his career. It just shows how cruel professional sport can be.”

It was the second shattering blow of the day for O’Sullivan, who also learned that Lions centre Rob Henderson has also been ruled out of his plans after he tore a bicep in Munster’s Celtic League encounter with Leinster last night.

“He is also definitely out,” said the Ireland coach. “Up until yesterday things have been looking pretty good for us in terms of injuries.

“I thought it was too good to be true.”

O’Sullivan was also downbeat about his team’s overall performance this afternoon, even though they overcame a poor start to register their fourth comfortable win in five meetings with their Celtic cousins.

Kevin Maggs, man of the match Denis Hickie, Anthony Horgan and David Wallace all crossed after Chris Paterson had put the hosts in front with an early penalty and though Simon Webster grabbed a late consolation for the Scots, they never threatened a victory.

“There was a lot of pressure on the players because we are all looking for a spot in the World Cup squad,” admitted Irish skipper Keith Wood.

“The tension hasn’t helped our performance level and there are still some glitches to be ironed out.

“We are pleased to win the game but Geordan’s injury overshadows everything.”

O’Sullivan will name his World Cup party tomorrow for a tournament in which his team must overcome either hosts Australia or dark horses Argentina if they are to make the last eight.

Opposite number Ian McGeechan will wait an extra 48 hours before announcing his squad and on this evidence he will need all the time he can get.

Pack duo Ross Beattie and Allan Jacobsen enhanced their claims with solid performances, while scrum-half Mike Blair furthered his education but McGeechan knows he desperately needs Scott Murray, Tom Smith and skipper Bryan Redpath back in they are to make an impression Down Under.

However, the Scotland coach, who was taking charge of his team for the last time at Murrayfield, felt the game hinged on referee Nigel Whitehouse’s failure to call for video assistance when Andrew Mower drove over at the end of the first half.

The try would have pulled the hosts level and TV replays indicated the Newcastle flanker got the ball down. However, Whitehouse ruled a knock-on and Ireland escaped.

“He should have gone to the video referee,” moaned McGeechan, who side face Japan and the United States in their World Cup group before the crunch encounters with France and Fiji.

“If you score at crucial times it can have a big effect on the game and that was a crucial time.

“Overall, I thought they were more clinical than us. You have to take your opportunities but I still feel we are on track.”