So France finally clicked, and found a clinical edge to compliment their abundant flair. For Ireland, a tame surrender and a World Cup encapsulated in 80 minutes - limp, lifeless and lacking any discernible cohesion.
The body language summed it up. Irish heads were bowed, bodies willing yet unable. The French were liberated by the pressure, individual players wholly embracing the team-work ethic, and finding great pleasure in turning the screw.
The decline has been rapid. From Dark Horses to World Cup also-rans, a plan for glory that is stuck in the starting stalls. Did the Irish players start believing their own hype? or the rumours of a team-at-war true?
More importantly, What Next?
Where Brian Ashton can be blamed for tinkering with his side too much, O'Sullivan is at fault for poor selection. Dropping Geordan Muprhy and Peter Stringer robbed the Irish of two potential gamebreakers, which given the lack of squad depth was hardly the greatest of ideas.
The time had long since passed for Irish experimentation. O'Sullivan's squad selection pre-tournament was largely predictable, his tactics in the friendly against Italy - predictable. The choice was simple - adapt or stagnate. The Irish chose regression.
Genuine World Cup contenders have options. More than one way of playing the game, and squad depth that enables them to rest key personnel and still be competitive. Ireland have a much celebrated 'Plan A', but beyond that, the sum of the parts promise style yet lack substance.
Compared with the Southern Hemisphere sides, the Irish pack lacks pace, power and genuine ball-handlers. It's a problem that should have been addressed long ago. A potent backline hides the deficiencies of the forwards somewhat, but the sad truth is that this is a side built for a gameplan ten years out of date.
Should they defy the odds and qualify for the knock-out stages of the World Cup, it will be a victory for grunt over application. Ireland have to rediscover their sparkle against Argentina and hope that they can paper over the cracks for the time being.
At the moment, Mr O'Sullivan is the conductor of a one-note symphony. His audience is tiring of it's repetitiveness.
The decline has been rapid. From Dark Horses to World Cup also-rans, a plan for glory that is stuck in the starting stalls. Did the Irish players start believing their own hype? or the rumours of a team-at-war true?
More importantly, What Next?
Where Brian Ashton can be blamed for tinkering with his side too much, O'Sullivan is at fault for poor selection. Dropping Geordan Muprhy and Peter Stringer robbed the Irish of two potential gamebreakers, which given the lack of squad depth was hardly the greatest of ideas.
The time had long since passed for Irish experimentation. O'Sullivan's squad selection pre-tournament was largely predictable, his tactics in the friendly against Italy - predictable. The choice was simple - adapt or stagnate. The Irish chose regression.
Genuine World Cup contenders have options. More than one way of playing the game, and squad depth that enables them to rest key personnel and still be competitive. Ireland have a much celebrated 'Plan A', but beyond that, the sum of the parts promise style yet lack substance.
Compared with the Southern Hemisphere sides, the Irish pack lacks pace, power and genuine ball-handlers. It's a problem that should have been addressed long ago. A potent backline hides the deficiencies of the forwards somewhat, but the sad truth is that this is a side built for a gameplan ten years out of date.
Should they defy the odds and qualify for the knock-out stages of the World Cup, it will be a victory for grunt over application. Ireland have to rediscover their sparkle against Argentina and hope that they can paper over the cracks for the time being.
At the moment, Mr O'Sullivan is the conductor of a one-note symphony. His audience is tiring of it's repetitiveness.
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