2015
Ireland 20-43 Argentina: Another elimination at the
hands of the Pumas - 16 years on from the defeat in
Lens, Ireland found themselves dumped out of another
World Cup by a rampant Argentina side in Cardiff.
The Pumas established a 17-0 lead before the quarter-hour
mark in this quarter-final clash, and never looked back as
an under-strength Ireland side - without the injured Paul
O’Connell, Sexton, Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien and
Jared Payne - failed to cope with their blistering start.
2011
Australia 6-15 Ireland: An incredible evening in Auckland
as Ireland - roared on by the home fans as well as their
own - steamrollered the Wallabies at Eden Park. The boots
of Sexton and Ronan O’Gara guided them to a memorable
pool win, but the sight of Stephen Ferris manhandling
Australia scrum-half Will Genia will live long in the memory.
2007
Ireland 14-10 Georgia: This one makes the list, but not for
the right reasons. A try from Girvan Dempsey helped Ireland
avoid a hugely embarrassing defeat to Georgia - not the force
12 years ago that they are now. The Georgians led early in
the second half in Bordeaux, before Ireland recovered.
A 30-15 walloping at the hands of Argentina in the pool’s final
game meant they did not make it to the knockout stages.
2003
Australia 17-16 Ireland: A Brian O’Driscoll-inspired performance
almost saw Ireland upset the hosts in their own back yard in
the pool stages of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. The talismanic
former captain scored a try and kicked a drop-goal as the
Irish went in search of what was at that time a rare victory
over one of the southern hemisphere superpowers.
They were denied by the tournament hosts,
though, but still advanced to the quarter-finals,
where their run was ended by the French.
1999
Ireland 24-28 Argentina: Two decades ago, the Pumas did not
get the exposure they do now, so this result was a huge shock.
Ireland rested lock Paddy Johns and prop Peter Clohessy,
such was their confidence pre-match, while hooker Keith
Wood also declared they “would win” in the build-up.
Best laid plans, and all that - Gonzalo Quesada, the now Head
Coach of the Jaguares, inspired the Pumas with a 23-point haul
as they recorded a famous win in the quarter-final play-off.
1995
Ireland 24-23 Wales: Victory by a single point in the
final pool match in South Africa saw Ireland book
themselves a quarter-final spot against France.
Tries from Eddie Halvey, Nick Popplewell and Denis McBride,
plus nine points from Eric Elwood off the tee, ensured
victory over the Welsh at Ellis Park, eliminating the Welsh.
France ended Ireland’s run in the quarter-finals.1991
Ireland 18-19 Australia: At Lansdowne Road, Ireland came
within a whisker of reaching the last four and knocking out pre-
tournament favourites Australia in the process. A try from Gordon
Hamilton put the Irish 18-15 in front with six minutes remaining,
but Michael Lynagh’s last-gasp try ensured the Wallabies’
safe passage en route to their maiden World Cup triumph.1987
Canada 19-46 Ireland: Ireland’s first-ever victory at a Rugby
World Cup came in their second match, with a six-try drubbing
of Canada at Carisbrook, Dunedin, in the inaugural tournament.
Keith Crossan led the way with a brace, while Mike Kiernan
also contributed 19 points from the boot.
They made it to the quarter-finals,
but were overpowered by
Australia in the last eight.MEMORABLE RUGBY WORLD CUP MOMENTS
Matches played: 35
Wins: 21 Losses: 14
Win percentage: 60%
Total points scored: 976
Tries: 114 Penalties: 76
Conversions: 87
Drop-goals: 9
World ranking: 3IRELAND AT THE
RUGBY WORLD CUPWe believe there is a simpler and fairer way to work
together with wool farmers, and that’s why we are
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