Rugby World Cup: Ireland failed to deliver ‘perfection’ when they needed it most

When the dust settles, what will be of most concern to new head coach Andy Farrell and his team is that Ireland were completely out of ideas once their plan to play an error-free game went south.

Under Schmidt Ireland have built a reputation for attritional, effective rugby.

With Sexton and Conor Murray steering the ship Ireland have played the percentages, with considerable success.

Drilled and disciplined, Ireland sought to perfect their system. They nearly did it in 2018.

Schmidt’s achievements of three Six Nations, a Grand Slam and historic wins over the southern hemisphere’s big three will contribute handsomely to what will soon become his legacy, but the last calendar year of Schmidt’s tenure, culminating in another World Cup failure, have ended things on a sour note.

This year, a disciplined system has become one-dimensional, a system which doesn’t allow for the Japan-esque freedom of expression which, while a risk, can produce a moment which can completely alter the course of a game.

Three of the four World Cup semi-finalists have tested Ireland’s ability to adapt when their backs are against the wall, and have found them wanting.