Struggling Ireland Rue Missed Opportunity Against Georgia

Ireland 14 Georgia 10

Ireland again failed to lay down a marker in their World Cup campaign on Sunday, struggling to break down semi-pro Georgia in Bordeaux.

Despite leading 7-3 at half-time the Irish quickly conceded a try five minutes into the second-half, when winger Giorgi Shkinin intercepted a pass and dashed for the line.

Despite allowing the Georgian Gladiators 70% of the possession, got back into the game with a penalty and a try from Girvan Dempsey, but failed to dent the opoosition defence for the remainder of the game.

"We're very disappointed obviously. We're not where we want to be at the moment and we have a lot to improve on, I admit that,"' said Irish head coach Eddie O'Sullivan, who will be without Rory Best for the match against France in Paris on Friday after the hooker dislocated a thumb in the Georgia match.

"Once again we conceded far too many turnovers. Our approach work was better than last weekend but too often our final pass went astray.

"I wish I could explain why we're not firing on all cylinders at the moment.

"We've certainly trained hard and been assiduous in all our preparations. I know that it's frustrating for the supporters, but it's equally frustrating for the players. We just haven't clicked yet."