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Ambushed by Japan, distressed Ireland also lose Conan for rest of RWC

Ireland players walk off the pitch following defeat to Japan (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Joe Schmidt has challenged Ireland to reassert their class by hitting back immediately after suffering one of the all-time World Cup shock defeats by Japan. Hosts Japan set alight the first World Cup in Asia by pummelling Ireland into 19-12 submission in Shizuoka, leaving visiting head coach Schmidt accepting a quick-fire rebuilding job was on the cards.

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Ireland can still reach the quarter-finals but may wind up facing back-to-back world champions New Zealand rather than South Africa should they finish second in Pool A. Ireland have also lost Jack Conan for the rest of the World Cup, the Leinster flanker laid low by a foot fracture suffered in training.

Back row forward Jordi Murphy could be called up in Conan’s stead after being withdrawn at the last minute from Ulster’s PRO14 opener against Ospreys on Friday night. “The strength of the team will be how they respond and rebound from this,” said Schmidt.

“A six-day turnaround was a little bit tough and we’ve got a five-day turnaround now into the Russian game in Kobe on Thursday. So that will be another challenge for us. Jack Conan, unfortunately Jack Conan has a fracture in his foot and he will return home to Ireland tomorrow (Sunday).

“Rob Kearney has got a decent shiner, but he’s feeling okay now. He failed his HIA (head injury assessment) as far a I know. If he doesn’t pass HIA two and three he will be a confirmed concussion and he would miss the Russia match.”

(Continue reading below…)

Japan shocked the world for the second time in four years, adding this superlative victory over the globe’s No2-ranked side to their 34-32 win over South Africa at the 2015 World Cup.

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Wing Kenki Fukuoka sealed Japan’s famous win, racing into the left corner and flooring a stunned Ireland side. Jack Carty had a hand in tries for Garry Ringrose and Rob Kearney as Ireland edged into a 12-3 lead, but that control evaporated.

Japan wound up dominating both the loose and tight exchanges, even taking control in the scrum. Ireland boss Schmidt in midweek branded referee Angus Gardner’s performance “incredibly frustrating” the last time the Australian had officiated his side in the 25-7 loss to Wales in March that sealed the 2019 Grand Slam for Warren Gatland’s men.

And in the wake of this loss, Schmidt was again left to lament a referee with whom Ireland cannot seem to get to grips.

Asked about the officiating in Shizuoka, Schmidt said: “We’ll go back and have a look at it. I certainly understand the frustrations of some of our players.

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“It’s not too dissimilar from the last time we had this referee. We’ll make our comments to the referee body rather than make any public comment.”

WATCH: Joe Schmidt and Rory Best at their media conference following Ireland’s shock loss to Japan 

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O
Oh no, not him again? 2 hours ago
England internationals disagree on final play execution vs All Blacks

Okay, so we blew it big time on Saturday. So rather than repeating what most people have all ready said, what do I want to see from Borthwick going forward?


Let's keep Marcus Smith on the pitch if he's fit and playing well. I was really pleased with his goal kicking. It used to be his weakness. I feel sympathy for George Ford who hadn't kicked all match and then had a kick to win the game. You hear pundits and commentators commend kickers who have come off the bench and pulled that off. Its not easy. If Steve B continues to substitute players with no clear reason then he is going to get criticised.


On paper I thought England would beat NZ if they played to their potential and didn't show NZ too much respect. Okay, the off the ball tackles certainly stopped England scoring tries, but I would have liked to see more smashing over gainlines and less kicking for position. Yes, I also know it's the Springbok endorsed world cup double winning formula but the Kiwi defence isn't the Bok defence, is it. If you have the power to put Smith on the front foot then why muzzle him? I guess what I'm saying is back, yourself. Why give the momentum to a team like NZ? Why feed the beast? Don't give the ball to NZ. Well d'uh.


Our scrum is a long term weakness. If you are going to play Itoje then he needs an ogre next door and a decent front row. Where is our third world class lock? Where are are realible front row bench replacements? The England scrum has been flakey for a while now. It blows hot and cold. Our front five bench is not world class.


On the positive side I love our starting backrow right now. I'd like to see them stick together through to the next world cup.


Anyway, there is always another Saturday.

7 Go to comments
C
CO 2 hours ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

Robertson is more a manager of coaches than a coach so it comes down to intent of outcomes at a high level. I like his intent, I like the fact his Allblacks are really driving the outcomes however as he's pointed out the high error rates are not test level and their control of the game is driving both wins and losses. England didn't have to play a lot of rugby, they made far fewer mistakes and were extremely unlucky not to win.


In fact the English team were very early in their season and should've been comfortably beaten by an Allblacks team that had played multiple tests together.


Razor has himself recognised that to be the best they'll have to sort out the crisis levels of mistakes that have really increased since the first two tests against England.


Early tackles were a classic example of hyper enthusiasm to not give an inch, that passion that Razor has achieved is going to be formidable once the unforced errors are eliminated.


That's his secret, he's already rebuilt the passion and that's the most important aspect, its inevitable that he'll now eradicate the unforced errors. When that happens a fellow tier one nation is going to get thrashed. I don't think it will be until 2025 though.


The Allblacks will lose both tests against Ireland and France if they play high error rates rugby like they did against England.


To get the unforced errors under control he's going to be needing to handover the number eight role to Sititi and reset expectations of what loose forwards do. Establish a clear distinction with a large, swarthy lineout jumper at six that is a feared runner and dominant tackler and a turnover specialist at seven that is abrasive in contact. He'll then need to build depth behind the three starters and ruthlessly select for that group to be peaking in 2027 in hit Australian conditions on firm, dry grounds.


It's going to help him that Savea is shifting to the worst super rugby franchise where he's going to struggle behind a beaten pack every week.


The under performing loose forward trio is the key driver of the high error rates and unacceptable turn overs due to awol link work. Sititi is looking like he's superman compared to his openside and eight.


At this late stage in the season they shouldn't be operating with just the one outstanding loose forward out of four selected for the English test. That's an abject failure but I think Robertson's sacrificing link quality on purpose to build passion amongst the junior Allblacks as they see the reverential treatment the old warhorses are receiving for their long term hard graft.


It's unfortunately losing test matches and making what should be comfortable wins into nail biters but it's early in the world cup cycle so perhaps it's a sacrifice worth making.


However if this was F1 then Sam Cane would be Riccardo and Ardie would be heading into Perez territory so the loose forwards desperately need revitalisation through a rebuild over the next season to complement the formidable tight five.

28 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit
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