All the moaning, whining and pearl-clutching after Ireland’s loss to New Zealand in Chicago has been nothing short of embarrassing. It is another sad episode in the arrogance and entitlement that has recently infected Irish rugby.
Over the past few seasons, all the teams at the top of the world rankings have been constantly beating each other. In the last 12 months, the Australians and South Africans are 1-1. The Pumas and New Zealand are 1-1. The Boks and the Kiwis are 1-1. Australia and England are 1-1.
Losing to New Zealand is disappointing, but it is not an unexpected disgrace.
Before Saturday’s match in Chicago, anyone with experience in the elite end of the game should have been able to dispassionately consider the facts and conclude that it was a big ask for Ireland to win.
The primary difficulty for Ireland this November is they have not played together since March.
However, the New Zealanders, who are ranked number two in the world,
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