Seeds of doubt grow for fourth-tier Ireland

As disappointment turned to dismay in the fall-out from Saturday’s missed opportunity against Scotland, the reality of Ireland’s decline was illustrated yesterday by confirmation of their fourth seeding in next month’s World Cup draw.

Failing to beat the Scots not alone put a massive dent in Ireland’s likelihood of reaching the enlarged European Championships next year but made the next campaign seem all the more arduous to navigate out of.

Only 13 nations, unlike the 24 heading to France, will qualify from the European section for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.