One final push could still see us over the line

IT MAY have been appropriated by Jack’s Army during Italia ’90, but the phrase “give it a lash” really belonged to Mick Doyle, who continued to see the stars when the face of Irish rugby was more often ground into the mud of defeat.

His titanium-like belief was rewarded in 1985 when we won the Triple Crown. That there were deficiencies in our bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup is irrefutable. Lessons hopefully will be learned, the most important one of which is not to give up until the final whistle.

And that last shrill blast will not take place until the 15th of the month. True, World Rugby has recommended that South Africa be allotted the honours, but that is not the end. Those who understand such things say that Ireland must summon the strength like a seasoned prop all-out on his feet for one final push.

The prize may still be in sight, for the same experts believe that it will be nigh on impossible for any side to secure the simple majority of 20 votes after the first ballot.

In the event that the ruck collapses, all bets will be off and it will be a case of bite, boot and b*llock.

With our backs on the deck, the hope would be that we can call on old friends from the home nations for support. If that doesn’t work, make new ones.

There are almost as many vagaries as there are phantom breezes between the posts at Lansdowne Road.

Money does talk though, and if our €120m bid fell down because we were a bit light in the wallet this should be looked at. Showcasing the fourth biggest sporting event in the world will pay dividends.