The odds on Ireland remaining visible in the tournament beyond next weekend are long
The devastation in parts of Japan this weekend partly vindicated World Rugby’s scrapping of fixtures. But it has other questions to answer
Football tsar who loved the limelight squandered the chance of a revolution
New Zealand’s Luke Jacobson, had the courage to bow out of the tournament when he declared himself concussed in a training session before the All Blacks’ opener with the Springboks
It’s a puzzle as to who the real Ireland is, the heroes who beat the All Blacks or the team that meekly capitulated to Japan
What does a rugby star do after he hangs up his boots? For the former Ireland internationals Andrew Trimble and Gordon D’Arcy, the answer wasn’t a straightforward one, writes Garry Doyle
The hosts made sure that yesterday’s match was played on their terms – and Joe Schmidt and Ireland simply had no answer
Nothing is as predictable at World Cups as the deluge of fake tears from those who pretend to care about the fate of the Pacific Islanders
It’s been some week. From the moment Gareth Thomas decided to reveal that he has been living wi...
The hosts caused a sensation four years ago by ambushing South Africa, but they remain makeweights at the highest level
The Rugby World Cup is now a glitzy tournament transformed beyond recognition from its humble beginnings in 1987. But is it really as big and lucrative an event as its cheerleaders claim?
Whether they get the All Blacks or the Springboks after the group stage, Joe Schmidt’s team will struggle to achieve that elusive first World Cup semi-final, writes Garry Doyle
1987 New Zealand and Australia hosts. Ireland lose in quarter-finals to Australia. The inaugural ...
Like it or not, the Irish rugby captain’s personal struggles mirror the challenge the entire squad now faces. For him, for them, the fear is that the World Cup has arrived 12 months too late
