FIVE DEFEATS THAT CUT DEEP
JAPAN 19
IRELAND 12
2019 World Cup
The ‘Shizuoka shock’ is still very much fresh in the memory of Ireland supporters, many of whom wonder if the squad has fully recovered from the events of that bitterly disappointing day. Despite leading 12-9 at the break, Ireland fell apart in the secondhalf and were kept scoreless, as they were stunned by the relentless energy and pace of a quite brilliant Japanese team, who sent the host nation into raptures.
ARGENTINA 43 IRELAND 20
2015 World Cup 17-0 down after 13 minutes, Ireland’s hopes of reaching a first semi-final were extinguished early on as they couldn’t live with Argentina.
Ireland had come into the game without several key players and the Pumas took full advantage to record an emphatic victory that left their opponents with yet more World Cup heartache.
ITALY 22
IRELAND 15
2013 Six Nations
In a not too dissimilar fashion to that World Cup defeat in 2015, Ireland travelled to Rome without a host of first-team players, yet the big difference was, Italy should not have been considered as much of a threat as Argentina. Three yellow cards, two first-half injuries to backs and a forward playing on the wing, left Ireland with a nightmare first Six Nations defeat to the Azzurri.
NEW ZEALAND 60 IRELAND 0
2012 Summer tour
After pushing the All Blacks close in the second Test, Ireland were brought crashing back down to earth a week later when the hosts crushed the tourists by a record margin. The Hamilton horror show left an indelible mark on Irish rugby as they were held scoreless by the world champions who ran riot by scoring a whopping nine tries.
ARGENTINA 28
IRELAND 24
1999 World Cup
No one associated with Irish rugby ever wants to be reminded of that dark night in Lens, but it will never be forgotten. Diego Albanese’s 72nd minute try settled a dour encounter and broke Irish hearts, as their pre-match confidence came back to haunt them.