Ireland won 35-0 against Russia in the Kobe Misaki Stadium, but there wasn't much to be positive from a sloppy performance despite Joe Schmidt putting a brave face on things.
Cian Tracey, Ruaidhri O'Connor and Jonathan Bradley were all reporting on an error-strewn match that did little to inspire any faith that this Irish team can achieve their goals by getting to a semi-final and beyond in Japan.
The injury count is mounting, the players' body-language is poor and there's a familiar feeling about this World Cup
Will a couple of days off in Fukuoka do the trick? should Ireland send for Devin Toner if Jordi Murphy is injured? What can Schmidt do to inspire a team who look low on energy and off their game in the next two weeks?

Ireland won 35-0 against Russia in the Kobe Misaki Stadium, but there wasn't much to be positive from a sloppy performance despite Joe Schmidt putting a brave face on things.<br>Cian Tracey, Ruaidhri O'Connor and Jonathan Bradley were all reporting on an error-strewn match that did little to inspire any faith that this Irish team can achieve their goals by getting to a semi-final and beyond in Japan.<br>The injury count is mounting, the players' body-language is poor and there's a familiar feeling about this World Cup<br>Will a couple of days off in Fukuoka do the trick? should Ireland send for Devin Toner if Jordi Murphy is injured? What can Schmidt do to inspire a team who look low on energy and off their game in the next two weeks?

The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered.

From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.

The Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald has the best r…

The Left Wing

Ireland won 35-0 against Russia in the Kobe Misak…