Ask the average punter about Irish rugby this century and their eyes glaze over at the same tired refrain: “They’ve never been past a World Cup quarter-final.”
Ask the country’s greatest ever player the same question, which the sports radio programme Off The Ball did last month, and the answer is delivered with an exhausted tone.
“Until we reach a semi-final, we will be the laughing stock of the world,” said Brian O’Driscoll.
And yes, it is true. Ireland have yet to breach the semi-final gates. But to judge them solely by that one, quadrennial knockout tournament is like judging Shakespeare by a single sonnet. It misses the point entirely. Because Ireland this century have been better than most.
And that includes teams who have reached World Cup semi-finals: Scotland, Wales, Argentina. They may have had a single glorious week or a fleeting quarter in a tournament, but Ireland have built a legacy, one that endures, and, frankly, embarrasses those who are content to measure greatness only by the World Cup.
Let’s run through the landmarks.
2000: Ireland’s first win in Paris since 1972. They have beaten Les Bleus 11 times since.
2002: first victory over Australia since 1979. They have since won seven of their last nine Tests against the Wallabies.
2004: first win over the Springboks in 39 years. Ireland have won six of their last nine games against South Africa.
You see a pattern forming here? Historical impossibilities turned into actualities.
And yet, the World Cup narrative, stubborn as a Dublin raincloud, insists Ireland’s achievements are trivial because they have not reached a semi-final.
And the Grand Slam of 2009? A first since 1948. Sixty-one years without a clean sweep, and suddenly Ireland showed the Six Nations that a small country could dominate all-comers. That Grand Slam was not a fluke. They’ve won two more since as well as three further Six Nations titles.
The firsts kept coming.
2016: first away win in South Africa.
The same year, first win over New Zealand in 111 years. One hundred and eleven years. Think about that. One team dominates the planet for more than a century, and Ireland stroll in and claim history. It was not luck. They’ve beaten the All Blacks four times since.
And on we go.
2018: first series win in Australia since 1979.
2022: first series win in New Zealand. This is sustained success and the contrast with what went before is striking as Ireland won just 105 times in the 85-year history of the Five Nations but have already chalked up 89 wins in the 25-years of the Six Nations.
For context, that’s the best win ratio of any of the six countries.
And yet, the World Cup narrative, stubborn as a Dublin raincloud, insists Ireland’s achievements are trivial because they have not reached a semi-final.
Compare that with Scotland and Wales.
Scotland’s 1991 semi-final is the golden highlight of a largely inconsistent era.
Wales? Their three World Cup semi-final appearances are impressive. But look at their clubs. One losing appearance in a Heineken Champions Cup final across 30 years is not much to reflect upon especially as Ireland’s provinces have made it to 14 finals, winning seven of them.
Argentina? They got to the last four in 2007 and again in 2015 and 2023 and they are lauded as “semi-finalists.” But what have they done apart from then?
Compare them with this. In the last seven years, Ireland have toured Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Two series were won, the other drawn. From eight Tests, they won five, lost three.
The proof is in the November internationals. Ireland’s win ratio (76 per cent) this century is bettered only by New Zealand.
Much of this is down to structure. The provincial system in Ireland is a factory for excellence. Leinster has dominated Europe, Munster remains a fortress, Connacht has grown from plucky outsiders to credible challengers, and Ulster consistently produces players capable of international impact. That is down to planning and intelligence.
The IRFU’s financial model is another differentiator. Unlike Wales, Scotland, and Argentina, whose rugby often flounders under financial strain, Ireland has created a sustainable system, balancing commercial success with reinvestment in coaching, player development, and facilities. The result is a deep, talented squad that consistently performs.
And let us not forget efficiency. Ireland’s squad management, workload balance, and tactical deployment are almost surgical. Players are rotated intelligently. Peaks are managed. Injuries are mitigated. The level of planning and execution is light-years ahead of countries who can’t match Ireland week in, week out.
The proof is in the November internationals. Ireland’s win ratio (76 per cent) this century is bettered only by New Zealand. And yet, critics remain fixated on a single tournament, blind to a pattern of success that stretches across decades.
Ireland’s century of rugby achievements is littered with historic firsts: Paris, Australia, South Africa, the Grand Slam, South Africa again, New Zealand, series wins in Australia and New Zealand, half a dozen Six Nations titles. These are not one-off flashes; they are a continuum of achievement. And they have been built on a structure that rivals the very best in world rugby.
So yes, Ireland have never been beyond a World Cup quarter-final. But to suggest they are anything less than one of the most accomplished sides of the 21st century is to misread history. They have beaten the best, broken barriers, created new norms, and done so consistently. That is success, pure and simple.
And here is the kicker: Scotland, Wales, Argentina — all have semi-finals to their name. But how many have repeatedly rewritten the record books? How many have created a legacy of victories that redefine expectations on every continent?
Ireland have. They have beaten New Zealand five times in nine years. Wales have been waiting for a victory over the All Blacks since 1953; Scotland for a win over New Zealand since time began.
So forget the quarter-finals. Look at the wins, the firsts, the Grand Slams, the series victories, the sustained excellence. Look at the system, the provinces, the financial model, the efficiency. Ireland’s rugby journey is not defined by what they have not done. It is defined by everything they have achieved.
The quarter-final hoodoo makes headlines. The victories make history. And history, as Ireland keep proving, is what really lasts.
Irleland is a good side, no doubt about it. I would rank them at about 3rd in the trepidation stakes - When we play against them, i would say the All Blacks, then France, then Ireland is the ranking of the teams i worry about beating. They have definitely improved since 2000, and would no longer be considered a minor obstacle. They have a long way to go to be considered the best in the world, and to be honest, they may never get there. They have had some generational players, but i don’t see the next tranche of players being as good.
Ireland look tired an jaded. Joe Schmidt built Ireland up to be world beaters. Why did Ireland let him go ? Farrell has enjoyed Schmidt’s team’s success, but when changes have had to be made, they haven’t really worked that well.
What a rant of excuses. All firsts is easier to get than maintain that standards. The other teams already achieved those firsts. It's not firsts in the world of rugby for any team ever, it's only firsts for Ireland which stats is only important to Ireland. The other teams achieve much greater things in the meanwhile. Stop crying about it.
The Irish have been amazing for about 10 years, not for a 100 years, which is what a century is called(duh). This current century from 2000 onwards is only 25 years old so far. The Irish good achievements have come inbetween the fall of the great AB's of 2011-2015 and the rise of the Boks since 2018. It was a magical team, not so anymore. Still up for great games, but this team had it's chance and failed at the biggest hurdle.
Still, they have achieved a lot and it should not be dismissed. This article should be dismissed as a rant that makes the Irish looks weak and like whiners. The Irish players deserve their props because they really were very good despite failing at the biggest tournament of them all. It's not their talent that is in question. Mentally they are very weak and don't have the ability to push through those moments it matters. France have that same problem.
Everyone say the Boks are light years ahead of every other team, but are they really? Or are they mentally just so much more prepared than the rest? Not all their games is wins and they are beatable and does tend to lose a test or 2, even if the reason for that is due to experimentation.
I've never liked the Irish, even though I'm half Irish, but they have been exceptionally good. They are trending downwards now, but they are still a very dangerous team and still very good. Their next gen players isn't as good, but there is enough time to build them up. They do have some great prospects coming through.
What the Irish achieved since 2000 is less than what other teams have achieved. Especially when it mattered. The French and SA are pumping out young stars through their systems as if it's a factory. Are their systems worse than the Irish? Especially considering both countries have achieved more than the Irish in this current century of 25 years since 2000? What about the AB's? This same century? Double WC winners and other trophies besides? Whose younger teams is winning WC's and all trophies on offer? Surely not the Irish youngsters. No, I give them their dues, but this article is really not looking that great for the Irish.
Firsts is only great as a first achievement. When others regularly do those same firsts over and over again, it's not something very special overall, just for the Irish. Enjoy it. Those firsts are needed to become and stay one of the best. Those firsts need to happen on a regular basis.
Nar the say what the hell where you thinking throwing away the chance to be one of the most accomplished sides of the 21st century by changing you style?
Any interesting points in the article a rugby nut should know/read?
This would come across better if Ireland hadn't recently lost to NZ and France, they might lose to SA soon as well.
If I had to bet my house on next week SA Vs Ire it would easily go on the boks for the win.
We live in hope
No one really remembers how good a team of any era was until they win a world cup. Ireland can make a semi all they want but no one will remember it unless it comes up in conversation about do you remember the time that Ireland made the semis and that will be said with a laugh in a pub. Wales also had an healthy win ratio against the Springboks and look at them go now. People forget that Ireland could always play good rugby so that is not in dispute but the Irish forget that all the world cups are down South for a reason too. Any team can be hyped as great but the great teams perform when it matters. I for one would rather open an umbrella in the rain than get soaked while looking for that silver lining.
All you have really done here is highlight how shite they used to be… Its true, Ireland are now in the conversation as being one of the best teams in the world, but they need a bigger result that will be etched in the history books to remind future generations how good they actually were in that era. Fans will always refer to their top achievement until they improve on that achievement, so Ireland fans will reference how many Grand slams they have won, or their win ratio against the SH teams in every argument until they win a World Cup, from that moment on, they will just refer to the WC they won…
Irish fans will remember these 25 years of rugby fondly, as they should. But rugby fans are not going to think of this Ireland team alongside the other great teams of the 21st century. Relying on Ireland winning a bunch of firsts only serves to prove how poor they have been historically. South Africa and NZ cannot boasts of a bunch of first because it didn’t take them 100 years to win a series or get their first win over a team.
So to make the case that Ireland are one of the best of the century, the writer only compares them to Wales, Scotland and Argentina? And the greatest accomplishments they have achieved are a bunch of ‘first time ever’ against other teams? Just setting the lowest of low expectations.
I’m having difficulty with the word century. For starters this century just started. It’s only 25 years old.
Unless of course we’re preempting the next 75 years and giving them the title proactively?
We certainly can’t be talking about the last 100 years. Obvs.
Yup
Ireland are hell's own teeth at Flight Simulator. Who cares if they crash their planes irl? Real-life conditions are hopelessly imperfect anyways.
When after 33 years of choking SA finally won the World Test Championship, the great Dale Steyn, he who “didn’t go to Australia to make friends”, cried uncontrollably on television. Oh, it matters. So very much. You can’t even bring yourself to admit it.
Lol
It’s all a good laugh. Cheer up, Garry. Only 2 more years of it before the mighty Irish suddenly stroll in and achieve a ‘historical impossibility’. Lol.
History certainly does favour the greatest.
Between 2011 and 2015 the history books will tell us that there was no greater team in the world than the ABs.
And currently, we are witnessing another chapter being written in the history books. That of the Springboks 2018 to whenever this ends (and it will end). Within which no team compares.
Inbetween these dynasties we saw the incredible rise of Ireland to become a powerhouse. But until they win a world cup - they will be remembered as the greatest team to never get past a quarter final of a World Cup.
The only remedy for all of this, of course, is to do the necessary and win a World Cup. It’s not that hard I hear some people say.
Just need luck.
Who is luckier than the Irish?
The springboks 2018-now cannot compare to the 2010-2015 All Blacks. They were completely dominant, with no rival in sight.
The boks since 2018 have been beaten by Australia, Argentina, England, Ireland, Wales, France, New Zealand and the Lions. They have a win rate below 70%
Compare that to the All Blacks dynasty who had a win rate of 80%+ and only lost to Australia (3), Springboks (2) & England (1)
No comparison. All Blacks are the greatest men's rugby team ever.
The firsts that pile up for Ireland from 2000 onwards are all really good indicators of this being the best era of Irish Rugby. No doubt. No arguments.
Sorry, I’m still stuck on comparing Ireland to Shakespeare.
Definitely more comedy porn for you than diddles hardcore version H! 🤣
Probably around 300 - 400 rugby players have won rugby World Cup winners medals.
If you were to survey all the professional rugby players in the world - and all the little boys and girls playing the game at home if they’d rather win a World Cup or have a good win ratio, or even win the 6N or RC - what percentage would go for World Cup?
I think the result will be statistically significant.
This quadrennial knockout tournament might not be that important to Irish fans (until they maybe experience the eupohoria of winning one) - but it certainly means a lot to rugby players. It is surely the ultimate award in the body of work of a professional rugby player.
And so few have achieved it in the history of the game. Immortality.
I think this is part of the issue non-Irish fans have have with this debate. For starters, nobody is judging you - you’re judging yourselves. By your own standards and history. For example, 2000 - winning your first match in Paris. That’s great and all. But not that big a deal for many other teams.
There’s this tendency, also, to insert Ireland into categories for comparison. Such as using Shakespeare to make a point about how great you are. I found that a bit funny actually.
Right. Hold my beer…
This century has been 25 years long. And, I’m sure we’ll get to it, the Irish have only been that good for 10 of those 25 years.
Off to a shakey start.
Common occurrence for them these days H…
They have come a long way. Next step is get over that hurdle.
It isn’t just the World Cup, they've won four Grand Slams. Only Scotland and Italy have won fewer.
Only Scotland and Italy have won fewer?
Is that really a compliment?
Better than porn!!!
Read of the year.
And Conor Murray becoming the first NH player to score 4 tries against the AB’s.
Sounds about right for you. Premature finish, no happy ending and already home before the real climax!
As bod says, laughing stock…
Yeah I’m with Bod on this one…
#metoo
That’s like saying you can’t judge an athlete on an Olympic Gold Medal. If you ask any top athlete they would change all the Diamond League and World Series victories for an Olympic gold. To win the rugby world cup you have to win four test matches in as many weeks and then win four knock out games against the best of the tournament. That is an entirely different proposition to beating all the teams even most of the time. The one time it really counts is in the Rugby World Cup knockout phases and to win the World Cup the team’s mental attitude has to be right, and you have to have extraordinary depth. Johnny Sextant was hopelessly overplayed in the 23 WC and by the time the last twenty minutes of the semi final rolled round he was exhausted and couldn’t dictate the game as he usually does. And they haven’t been able to really replace him since - that’s an indication of a lack of depth.
“Johnny Sextant was hopelessly overplayed in the 23 WC”. GVF, that still makes my blood boil ! I will never fathom why Sexton was not replaced by Crowley at half time. He was clearly being easily pressured by the NZ defence, had clearly run out of any ideas on how he could change the pattern of the game. That was one hell of a tight game at the end, and it is my view that Jack Crowley would have posed problems for the NZ defence that Sexton could not.
Actually do think Ireland now have two useful 10’s in Crowley and Prendergast. I see Prendergast is starting this weekend. I would have gone for Crowley….he is tougher and more battle hardened at this stage. Would expect the WB’s to target him with a lot of pressure.
I would turn this question around and say if an athlete runs the fastest 100m time in the world and consistently is the fastest over 100m leading up to an Olympics but for some reason doesnt win Olympic gold (could be due to any number of factors), does that mean they are not the quickest person in the world? No it doesn’t. Regardless of subjective views of how important or valuable an Olympic gold is, it doesnt change facts.
A four yearly tournament is also not all you judge a career by. A group of test players reaching 60-70 caps may only have played a handful of RWC matches across their time.
The spine of the last generation of Irish players were winning Heineken cups - and routinely winning knockout games - at a time when the competition was the pinnacle of the sport. Compare the 2011 RWC final with the 2011 Heineken cup final for example. A time when most test teams would have struggled to go to France and win a semi.
Ireland currently have the best win ratio of the 6N era. They are no longer afraid to judge their careers by medals. The turn of the century has been transformative for them.
Sexton was utterly hated by boks and kiwi supporters - the ultimate compliment. That’s how good he was.
To complete the paradox - the most successful RWC team has never beaten the quarter final specialists in tournament play.
Exactly this. If the irfu had bothered to develop and invest in a bespoke academy model for all four provinces, rather than just Leinster, then there’s every likelihood that monkey on their back would be long gone. Chasing the 5th star has cost them dearly!
Well.. it doesn't detract from some of the amazing Irish performances over the years. They're an amazing rugby nation who punch way above their weight but it is a huge stain on their record that can't be overlooked.
Good fortune wins games, Tom. It has so far always deserted Ireland !
You cant judge a team alone by what they have done at world cups. Tell that to South Africa. They have 4 now and Ireland have never gone beyond a quarter final. Ireland have shown they are good in November and they have shown they can mix it up with the best in the world. They have a proud record in the 6 Nations and are one of the worlds great teams however in a century where Ireland are comfortably ranked among the best teams in the world they have never gone beyond the final 8 at the showpiece event of which there have been 6 and that in itself is one of the poorest records in rugby.
I am 100% on board with saying that Irelands rise as a rugby team has been spectacular. And well done to them.
Someone else said it - that kiwi teams would travel to Ireland expecting to put 100 on them. Bok sides put 90 on them. They were the no.1 side for a few years in recent memory and that is noteworthy.
Over the past 8 years - the SBs have gone from 7 in the world to RWC, BIL, 2 RCS, RWC etc. In 8 years. And they only started getting their dues from Matt Williams in the last week.
If Australia went from where they are now (7th) to win the next 2 World Cups, 2 RCS and competes for a third World Cup in a row - what would we say about that team. In 8 years time?
If the journey of Irish rugby is what makes them special - and not just the awards - there are teams that have done the unthinkable in our midst.
2 of the absolute best games of the professional era have involved Ireland.
(v France in the 2023 6N & v New Zealand in the 2023 RWC).
Of course you only need 4 kicks to win a RWC final, but it’s not the only way to leave your mark on the sport.
Pretty sure Argentina had a couple of big victories home and away and made semi finals, so yeah nah this article is not it.
Click. Click. Click click click.
Kaboom!
Come on, join in the fun! You know you want to really…😉😂
Oh my goodness this article is embarrassing. Even Matt Damon has won a World Cup, come on man it’s not that hard.
He’s an amnesiac though, would he even remember? Or was that the other Matt?
The Bok Supremacy?