Ireland World Cup preview
October 13th 2008 08:58
Pat Richards will be the main man out wide for Ireland
While luck is something Ireland pride themselves with, it hasn't been nice to them recently with the departure of star winger Brian Carney to Rugby Union and the injury to Melbourne premiership forward Brett White.
It is no surprise then to think the men from the emerald isle will be hoping the 'luck of the Irish' is in full swing when their Rugby League world cup campaign kicks off in two weeks time.
Indeed their journey to ultimate world cup glory will not be easy.
Tonga and Samoa occupy Ireland's group, second tier sides most punters are predicting will cause the most concern for the likes of Australia, New Zealand and England.
But if recent results on League's world stage are anything to go by, the Irish have faired better than expected.
Thus far, Ireland have only competed in one League World Cup (2000) and they finished as quarterfinalists in probably the only surprise in a tournament that was considered a financial disaster.
It took an established and experienced England outfit to knock out Ireland in 2000, beating them in a close contest 26-16.
Despite the exit, Ireland took great heart in that showing and this has enabled the nation to grow in the Rugby League fields, with players regularly partaking in the Engage Super League and in the NRL.
Although the Irish have enough competitive players to perhaps keep them in contests, they lack the one individual that can set them on course for victory.
The injury to Brett White in particular will hurt the Irish big-time.
White is a premier forward in the NRL and has won a premiership with the Storm. He has also played for NSW in Origin football, meaning his big game experience is unmatched among the Ireland roster.
His aggression around the middle of the park will be sorely missed.
Ireland however do have one reasonable player in former NRL premiership winner Pat Richards.
Richards caught the Rugby League eye thanks to his performances for the Wests Tigers in 2005, scoring one of the tries of the century in the Grand Final against the Cowboys (courtesy of the Benji Marshall flick).
Not to mention he also possesses one of the biggest drop out boots in the game.
The move overseas has indeed been productive for Richards, displaying consistent form for the Wigan Warriors, scoring 45 tries in 83 games.
In all, Ireland have played enough League to suggest they will not be easy beats against the likes of France, Samoa and Tonga.
They have played 22 internationals in all, winning 14 and losing 7 with 1 draw. As it is not a full member of the Rugby League International Federation, these matches are not considered to be tests.
Regardless of their status, Ireland have had some experience against the big guns whether they were mere internationals or not. Every game the Irish play will only serve them well for the future of Rugby League in Ireland.
And although their presence in the 2008 world cup will probably not rival their performance in 2000, it will provide the building blocks for Irish League to become more competitive and accustomed, to perhaps one day rival England, Australia and New Zealand in future tournaments.
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