Ireland will vacate their team hotel later today, and leave behind another World Cup, just as it is heating up.
For the seventh time in Ireland’s history at the tournament [including a quarter final playoff with Argentina in 1999], they lost the only knock-out game they played.
It all began so promising – 16 tries scored, Pool D winners and so many players on form. That stood for nought, though, as Argentina drop-kicked us out of the tournament two weeks before the Webb Ellis trophy is handed out.
Here – based on game ratings and levels of involvement – are out complete 2015 Rugby World Cup player ratings for Joe Schmidt’s men in green.
Iain Henderson – 8
Ireland’s top performer throughout the entire tournament. Excelled against Canada and Romania, came off the bench to ferociously cover for the injured Paul O’Connell and took the (losing) fight to Argentina.
Peter O’Mahony – 8
He will ruefully look back on this World Cup but, in time, should be proud of his personal contribution. Bright start against Canada, try-saving heroics against Italy and the Test match of his life against France.
Sean O’Brien – 7
His average rating through the tournament was 7.5 but we have to take something away for that strike on Pascal Papé that ended up costing us a true leader, and scrapper, against Argentina.
Simon Zebo – 7
Another that will look back with a huge degree of regret – he was ignored for the final two games – but who performed well when given the chance. Sparkled against Romania and was solid, if unspectacular, against Italy.
Luke Fitzgerald – 7
His average rating was 7.3 but was dropped from the match-day squad midway through the tournament. Came back to help put France to bed and was the flickering flame against the Argentineans.
Jamie Heaslip – 7
Was superb against Italy and did his usual dogsbody work in his other four outings. Has taken over the ‘unseen work’ mantle from Donncha O’Callaghan but should feature in more attacks.
Conor Murray – 7
Had good days against Canada and France but looked under the pump when the Italian and Argentine forwards forced Ireland onto the back foot. Costly knock-ons against those two teams, too.
Johnny Sexton – 7
Will his World Cup legacy really be that drop goal against Argentina [2011], his Canadian try and a series of glum, frustrated expressions. We needed him to stay fit to go further but it didn’t happen.
Jack McGrath – 7
Must be seriously pressing for the starting loosehead role. Did everything he had to in his starts but was dropped to the bench for our final two games. A tackling machine.
Paul O’Connell – 7
As evidenced by his absence against Argentina, it was his leadership and inspiration that he brought most to the team. Strong carries and lineout claims without blowing down any doors. Farewell Paulie. It’s been fun.
Robbie Henshaw – 6.5
Appeared to have confirmed himself as world-class after great games against Italy and France, only to fall short when it mattered in the quarter final.
Rob Kearney – 6.5
Got back in the try-scoring groove only to have his glute [rump] strained in the process. Brilliant against France but outjumped, outclaimed and overrun in the quarters. Second best to Joaquin Tuculet.
Tommy Bowe – 6.5
Regained the 14 jersey after the Canada game and cemented it with two tries against Romania. So brave and trustworthy under high balls. Injured early against Argentina.
Keith Earls – 6.5
Started the World Cup like a try-scoring freight train and ended it a stock car – battered and flipped on its head. Great winger but not a Test level 13.
Ian Madigan – 6.5
His World Cup highlight was coming off the bench to excel against France. Got Ireland back into the Argentina match but kicking from hand and tee fell away at key moments.
Rory Best – 6.5
Will never stop battling for his team and contributes at least one turnover a game. Rarely featured in attacks and was often outgunned at the breakdown against Argentina and Italy.
Jared Payne – 6.5
The reliable Kiwi scored a try against Canada and defended well against Romania without ever setting the world alight.
Cian Healy – 6
Stood out in the Romania win and came off the bench in wins over Italy and Canada. No stand-out moments against France or Argentina and was tested at scrum time.
Eoin Reddan – 6
Three appearances off the bench and flung quick ball that tested the Romanians.
Mike Ross – 6
His second and final World Cup. A master technician at the scrum – righting wrongs as he goes along – but far too sluggish everywhere else.
Darren Cave – 6
We flagged that the Ulster centre was travelling to hold tackle shields and play Romania. Unfortunately for Cave, he did just that. Decent and inside centre but did much better at outside centre when Payne went off.
Dave Kearney – 6
His best game was the opener against Canada although he did well against France too. Dependable but lacking real menace in attack. Missed a shedload of tackles against Argentina.
Sean Cronin – 6
Fell off the radar completely, for some, as yet, unexplained reason. Ball-carrying off the bench sorely missed in latter games.
Devin Toner – 6
Regained his starting spot for France game and delivered with good lineout and breakdown roles. Exposed by Argentina, like so many others.
Chris Henry – 6
Dug in and fought for every inch but gave away a couple of needless penalties at key moments. Still has a future in the Irish back row.
Jordi Murphy – 6
Scored a great try against Argentina but needs a big season with Leinster to force his way into the Irish back row.
Richardt Strauss – 5
Romania start appeared to be his lot until he was promoted to the bench for our final two games. Did fine.
Donnacha Ryan – 5
We may look back, in time, and wonder why he did not start against Argentina as his bulk and fight would have been useful. Started against Romania and two more token appearances off the bench.
Nathan White – 5
One of only five players to feature in all of Ireland’s games. Did not let anyone down but rarely did damage to opponents either.
Tadhg Furlong – 5
The bolter made his World Cup debut and won only his second cap. Was only ever there as an injury back-up.
Paddy Jackson – 5
He must be gutted that he did not see more game time. Substitute appearance against Romania was the height ofis his World Cup.
Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock and Isaac Boss – Ruddock got six minutes against Argentina but no ratings for the late call-ups.
