Rugby World Cup 2015: Pool D profile – is this Ireland’s year?

The perennial underachievers finally have the chance to make their mark at the World Cup, after five quarter final exits

Irish rugby team
(Image credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Of all the teams in the Rugby World Cup, it's Ireland who have underachieved more than any other nation. Five times they've reached the quarter-finals, and five times they've gone out. But is all that about to change? Under their Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt, they've won back-to-back Six Nations Championships and must now rank as one of the most difficult teams to beat in world rugby.

Sure, they may not be the most scintillating side to watch, but what they do they do with brutal and ruthless efficiency. A strong showing is guaranteed.

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