Twitter reaction as Ireland labour to bonus-point victory over Russia

Joe Schmidt's side get the job done but fail to impress rugby faithful.

Ireland did enough to secure the bonus-point victory that keeps their Rugby World Cup quarter-final ambitions alive, but the 35-0 win over Russia was less than impressive.

From the funny to the bizarre, we've collected the best Twitter reactions to the game.

The Irish sporting tradition of comedy flags has been revived in Japan:

Probably my favourite flag of the #RWC19 so far. 🤣 #IREvRUS pic.twitter.com/zMKHW0kxRy

— IntheBinRugby (@InTheBinRugby) October 3, 2019

Although we don't see this catching on:

The absolute mortification of your man behind him 😂😂#IREvRUS #RWC2019 #rugbyworldcup2019 pic.twitter.com/GIcXYjaqUu

— Caolán Mc Aree (@Caolanmcaree) October 3, 2019

Of course, a Kerry jersey is almost mandatory at big sporting events nowadays:

There's always a Kerry Jersey, #RWC2019 #IreVRus @Kerry_Official pic.twitter.com/bSifTRc8z0

— 💚❤Helen O’Shea 💚❤️ (@Helenos77) October 3, 2019

Back to matters on the pitch, and Matt Cooper was one of many rugby supporters underwhelmed by the performance:

The poorest 35-0 victory you’re ever likely to see. #IREvRUS

— Matt Cooper (@cooper_m) October 3, 2019

Although not everyone was happy with some of the reactions to the performance. A dose of realism here:

Speaking after the game, Peter O'Mahony declared himself "very happy" with the performance:

Peter O'Mahony 'very happy' with 30-odd point win over Russia and praises the opposition physicality #IREvRUS pic.twitter.com/YuLsZJFWMi

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) October 3, 2019

This fan theory seems to be growing by the game - are they on to something?

OK, I’ve decided that our fiendish plan is to scrape our way out of the group to lull any opponent in the QFs into a false sense of security #IREvRUS pic.twitter.com/OU6kWapqXS

— Kate McEvoy (@ImKateMc) October 3, 2019

Throwback Thursday for the Leinster Schools Cup - did you know the Russian captain etc. etc.?

Both Ireland and Russia will be captained by past pupils of Irish Spiritan schools for this morning's match. Johnny Sexton (@StMarysCSSp) & Vasily Artemyev (@BlackrockColl). Great occasion for @SpiritanEdu & @Irish_Spiritans #RWC2019 #IREvRUS pic.twitter.com/yu8cmEujpA

— Blackrock College (@BlackrockColl) October 3, 2019