Ryan vows that Ireland will learn crucial lessons from Georgia tie
IRELAND captain James Ryan says there will be a thorough inquest into the sub-standard display against Georgia but is convinced the team is “going in the right direction”.
The Irish failed to impress as they set up a third-place play-off with Scotland in the Autumn Nations Cup courtesy of an underwhelming 23-10 success over the Lelos.
Ryan joined head coach Andy Farrell in admitting the dismal Dublin display was not acceptable. However, the 24-year-old is adamant his country are building well for the future as an inconsistent first year under Farrell draws to a close.
“We will be honest with ourselves. I don’t think there’s a danger of being too hard on ourselves. We’ve got to be hard on ourselves,” said Ryan.
“We have to be a lot better
than that. There’s so much to improve there. I’ve no doubt we’re going in the right direction. Even in the games we’ve lost recently, I’ve said the same.
“We know how to fix things and it’s very much in our hands.”
• THE Irish Rugby Football Union has backed plans for South Africa’s four Super Rugby sides to join the Pro14, which would become the Pro16.
With South African teams Cheetahs and Southern Kings bowing out of the competition at the end of last season, there are currently only 12 sides competing in the league.
IRFU performance director David Nucifora confirmed that talks are at an advanced stage.
Nucifora added his belief that the introduction of the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions would increase the level of competition in the league and in turn would help develop Irish rugby and its players.