Ireland stunned the Wallabies at the weekend with a 15-6 victory and shows the rest of the World that the men in green are a force to be reckoned with. As an upset, it ranked high. At the end of last week, Australia were seen as the main rivals to New Zealand in the competition. From a last-gasp defeat to Australia in 1991 to being dumped out in 2007, the World Cup has not always been the happiest of hunting grounds for Ireland. The history of disappointment was erased after the win, beating one of the favourites for the title.
The victory for Ireland meant the team now sits at the top of Pool C prior to this Sunday’s game with Russia, and could secure a quarter-final fixture against Wales. This sets the group up for an exciting finish over the coming weeks. However there is certainly a lot more work to be done in the group.
This historic victory was however marred by a couple of injuries to key personnel. Scans have confirmed that Gordon D’Arcy and Paul O’Connell both picked up hamstring strains following the game. The pair will be observed over the coming days on the progress of their recovery in the attempt to get them back to match fitness.
As yet there has been no comment on their availability for the game against Russia on Sunday next and decisions will not be made until the team is announced in the early hours of Friday morning in Ireland. The Ireland squad enjoyed a rest day yesterday after relocating their team base from Auckland to Lake Taupo as they prepare to face Russia.