Rugby World Cup drama

It’s tough at the top

Sir, – South Africa beat France, who beat New Zealand, who beat Ireland, who beat South Africa. It really was all that close. – Yours, etc,

ALAN KEALY,

Blackrock,

Co Dublin.

READ MORE

Sir, – Congratulations to Ireland for their valiant effort. They certainly did the country proud. I think a big factor in losing the match was that the Irish team were too focused on the occasion, and the emotional drain from this distracted their full attention from the game, while also depleting their energy. The All Blacks, on the contrary, were fully focused on the game to the exclusion of everything else and gave all their energy to it.

Andy Farrell in the after-match interview lifted my spirits. He always speaks with great compassion, humanity and wisdom. He is passionate about the Ireland team and, despite losing the game, takes a salutary and objective attitude. He is always positive and restorative. As a rugby coach and as a human being, he is superb. – Yours, etc,

PETER QUINN,

Limerick.

Sir, – Gerry Thornley wonders why we can’t get past quarter-finals (Sport, October 16th).

The obvious reason why Ireland and France are out at this stage is the ridiculous seeding. – Yours, etc,

TERRY GRIFFIN,

Drumcondra,

Dublin 9.