“If You Can’t Accept Losing, You Can’t Win” – Vince Lombardi
Irish rugby stands at a crossroads. Fresh off back-to-back Six Nations titles, a promising pipeline of talent, and a squad near its peak ahead of an expected significant transition, the team seemed poised for continued dominance this Championship. Yet, after a humbling 42-27 defeat to a resurgent France in Dublin, familiar questions have resurfaced.
The loss wasn’t just a setback—it exposed a pattern. As with their World Cup quarterfinal exit to New Zealand, Ireland dominated possession (58%) and territory (53%), only to be undone by their inability to convert control into points. France, tactically astute, absorbed early pressure before overwhelming Ireland with power and precision. Even without Antoine Dupont, Les Bleus found ways to dictate terms, ruthlessly exploiting Ireland’s defensive vulnerabilities in the wider channels and around the ruck.
Ireland completed 225 passes to France’s 131 and carried the ball 141 times compared to 96 for the visitors. Yet, despite their dominance in possession, they ran themselves into the ground against a blue wall, much like in the World Cup quarterfinal when they had 58% possession, 56% territory, 147 carries, and 325 passes, only to fall short against the All Blacks.
This defeat mirrored past failures. Against New Zealand, Ireland went through 37 phases before a final turnover ended their World Cup dream. In Dublin, they again exhausted themselves in possession but lacked the cutting edge to break down a resolute French defense. Conceding only six penalties, Ireland were disciplined, yet four of those infractions came inside their own 22, highlighting the pressure they were under.
Ireland’s famed breakdown work, often a weapon, became a liability. France, like New Zealand before them, chose not to engage, instead spreading their defense to limit space. As Ireland ran into a blue wall, the attritional battle took its toll.
Compounding these tactical struggles were selection missteps. Jamie Osborne, a natural center, was thrust onto the wing ahead of the likes of Jimmy O’Brien, Calvin Nash and Jacob Stockdale. While Munster’s Jack Crowley— Ireland’s most dynamic ball-carrying fly half—was once again played out of position in the latter stages of a fixture in which he could bring little impact. Young Sam Prendergast, highly touted but untested, was left to navigate a torrid encounter and, in truth, whilst he never stopped trying, he was found to be wanting physically at this level at this stage in his young career. This begs the question as to why the Ireland management have opened him for such intense scrutiny, both physically and mentally, this early in his career. Added to the double-edged nature of this decision has been the presumed shredding of the confidence of Crowley and Ciaran Frawley, both of whom will be crucial to Ireland come the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Concluding the headscratching selections was the sentimental selections of veterans Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony throughout this year’s Championship. The reluctance to inject fresh blood, in particular, the likes of Cormac Izuchukwu, Jack Boyle, Gavin Coombes, Thomas Ahern, Max Deegan, John Hodnett, Shayne Bolton, Tommy O’Brien and Ben Murphy, hindered Ireland’s ability to match to not only match the dynamism of their opponents but also test players in key positions.
Lineout issues continue to be a recurring flaw which further stifled any attacking momentum that Ireland hoped to generate. While Ireland boasted a 95% success rate, their reluctance to throw beyond the front cost them valuable attacking platforms. Against New Zealand in the quarterfinal, they won 87% of their own ball but struggled with overthrows and turnovers at key moments when looking beyond the safest front ball options. This lack of variety cut off prime ball for their backline, which, outside of Calvin Nash, lacked the top-end pace of their rivals.
Ireland was second best physically on Saturday, similar to not only their key losses in recent years but also Leinster’s losses. Dominated at the contact point, their key ball carriers Caelan Doris, Tadhg Beirne, and Dan Sheehan all had moments but were far from their consistent line-busting best. Of the players who could go toe-to-toe with France, Joe McCarthy too had moments but these were undone by his unnecessary yellow card as he pulled at the collar of Thomas Ramos off the ball. There is no doubt that McCarthy brings a hard edge to the Irish pack, but similar to all of the best enforcers, he will need to reign in his discipline to take the next step as a truly elite international lock.
This loss should serve as a wake-up call. Ireland remains a formidable force, but their inability to evolve in high-pressure games is becoming a defining flaw. Rugby’s best sides adapt, knowing that success is often built on the lessons of failure. If Ireland can’t accept the reality of their shortcomings, their quest for true greatness may remain just out of reach.
Taking into account the necessary learnings and with an eye to the future including talent who are both in the current squad and those who are not, here is an Irish squad we would like to see when the 2027 Rugby World Cup rolls around.
15. Hugo Keenan
Solidifying Ireland’s backfield at 31-years-old, Keenan will still be close to his peak and should still be crucial to Ireland by that stage.
14. Mack Hansen
Sorely missed as a second distributor against France, the Canberra-born winger will lead the squad socials all around Australia.
13. Garry Ringrose
We can envisage a chance that the Leinster defensive kingpin is ousted by Hugh Gavin or Hugh Cooney by this stage, but until we see a decline, he is still key for Ireland.
12. Jamie Osborne
Shifting to his most natural position by this stage, Osborne replaces Henshaw as Ireland’s rock-solid operator in the number 12 shirt. Given the importance of the kicking game with the way Ireland are trending, his huge left boot will be key as will his abilities under the high ball and distribution.
11. Calvin Nash
Fending off a handful of impressive operators, Nash shifts to the left wing and operates as Ireland’s pace player in the backfield. Tommy O’Brien is certainly an option here but we will need to see more with a continued run of health – the same goes for Zac Ward. Jacob Stockdale is also a live option if he can get back to his best.
10. Sam Prendergast
This was a point of contention given our points above about Crowley’s defensive solidity, playmaking and ball carrying ability, but the Irish coaching staff clearly see Prendergast as the main man. Sure, things can change, but with two and a half more years of development, he could be truly special.
9. Craig Casey
Underrated as Ireland’s missing piece in this Championship, the Munster scrum-half was beginning to deliver on his immense potential before another cruel injury. Given that Gibson-Park will be closing in on his 36th birthday, the then 27-year-old should be at his peak.
8. Brian Gleeson
A left field selection for anyone not up to speed with Irish Rugby, the Munster number eight is another of the ‘golden generation’ of U20 stars making his way in senior rugby. At 6’4″ and 118kg, the 21-year-old is a unique specimen and has all of the rugby intellect to go with it.
7. Caelan Doris (c)
Shifting to number 7 where he has already played for Ireland, Doris is at this point the natural successor to Josh van der Flier in a giant Irish backrow. Given his world-class ability around the breakdown, rugby IQ and pace, he would make a perfect openside for Ireland.
6. Cormac Izuchukwu
Another of the till now untapped top-quality potential players, the Ulster utility forward brings a huge amount to the party for Ireland. Offering another line-out option, raw power in the carry and an ability to be in the right place at the right time, it feels like a matter of when, not if, he ascends to a consistent starting role.
5. James Ryan
Ireland’s key line-out operator will be crucial for getting the biggest area of concern in the Irish game back on track. Heralded as a future captain in his early years, he will bring key leadership to the Irish pack alongside Doris and Sheehan.
4. Joe McCarthy
He will be 25-years-old when the tournament kicks off, McCarthy should be in around the fifty cap mark by then and in his pomp. Hopefully, he will still be playing on the edge but will have eradicated the need for unnecessary penalties.
3. Tadhg Furlong
This is a call being made under the proviso that he has been managed well and is still fully fit at 34-years-old. Already Ireland’s greatest ever tighthead prop, the Leinster stalwart will be key for the Irish scrum when it matters most.
2. Dan Sheehan
A complete no-brainer, albeit his line-out throwing will need to be rectified (we are confident it will be) by then. Slots in as vice-captain and unquestioned starting hooker.
1. Andrew Porter
Coming in for ludicrous criticism recently, certainly there is something going on with him and certain referees but we expect this to be ironed out imminently. Unlike the present day, Porter will be a 45-50 minute man as we have high hopes for Jack Boyle, Tom O’Toole and young Paddy McCarthy by then.
Replacements:
16. Ronan Kelleher – just about holds off Gus McCarthy with the likes of Munster’s Danny Sheehan, Lee Barron and Tom Stewart all providing stiff competition.
17. Jack Boyle – Just so much potential, if he is not challenging Porter in two years time then someone has done him a disservice.
18. Thomas Clarkson – His performances to date have been underrated to say the least. Taking his learnings in the dark arts from Cardiff this year, he will only continue to get better.
19.Thomas Ahern – To date, one of the most unfortunate players in Irish Rugby, the near 7ft Munster utility forward, would surely be capped by now if not for injury. Blessed with elite pace and power, Ahern has the potential, alongside Izuchukwu, to return the Irish line-out to elite status. His ability in the air would also maximise Prendergast’s cross-field kicking game.20. Ryan Baird – Long thought to be a successor for Peter O’Mahony, we don’t quite see it. Instead he feels more like a Jack Conan super impact sub who like Mangan offers incredible versatility.
21. James McNabney – Brought into the Irish set-up for a reason, the Ulster backrow is another man mountain and reminds us of Stephen Ferris in his pomp.
22. Fintan Gunne – A change of pace scrumhalf who will be utterly devastating against tiring defences. Make no mistake: he is no one-trick pony and is more than capable of seeing out a test match.
23. Jack Crowley – Firmly in the mix to start but given we have gone 6 – 2 Crowley’s versatility and punch from the bench sees him slot in at number 23.
Squad players:
24. Gus McCarthy (could be 2nd choice by then)
25. Oli Jager (power and dynamism near Furlong’s level – just needs to stay fit)
26. Thomas O’Toole (cover for both loose and tighthead)
27. Edwin Edogbo (Has the potential to be truly special as a challenger to McCarthy’s number four shirt)
28. Diarmuid Mangan – Heralded as another enforcer in the Leinster and Ireland ranks, Prendergast’s childhood friend will be there scrapping it out alongside him in Australia. Being able to cover the backrow and secondrow brings extra versatility to the bench.
29. Ben Murphy (A true all-rounder, he could well be ahead of Gunne – other options include Matthew Devine, Nathan Doak and Ethan Coughlan)
30. Ciaran Frawley (Operating as a 3rd choice flyhalf, centre and fullback – if either Crowley or Prendergast get injured, he is straight in for us)
31. Hugh Gavin (Just so exciting – need we say more? – Hugh Cooney, James Hume, Jude Postlethwaite, Cathal Forde are all close contenders)
32. Zac Ward (Controversial, but with his power, size and pace, Ward has the potential to be a James Lowe 2.0 but with more gas. Diarmuid Kilgallen, Shayne Bolton, Tommy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale are contenders too)
33. Ben O’Connor (Ireland needs another out and out fullback, and the former Cork hurler has that something special about him, bringing his GAA skills to the Irish backfield).
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