Sport

The Morning Sports Briefing

Ireland’s World Cup dreams dashed, Newcastle earn first win, county final results and what to watch out for

Ireland’s World Cup inquest will start in earnest on Monday, and revolve around injuries, supposed inexperience and miscalculations. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA
Mon Oct 19 2015 - 08:35

Rugby: World Cup

Ireland's World Cup dreams were dashed yesterday, on a weekend in which all four northern hemisphere quarter-finalists were knocked out of the tournament, leaving Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to battle it out for the Web Ellis cup.

Captain Paul O’Connell looked on from the stands, as did the injured Peter O’Mahony and Jared Payne, the suspended Sean O’Brien, outhalf and talisman Johnny Sexton had been ruled out too the day before and Tommy Bowe would be stretchered off early in the first half - as Argentina’s pace and intensity proved too much for Joe Schmidt’s team in a 43-20 defeat in Cardiff.

Gerry Thornley feels the gulf between the hemispheres has never been more yawning after the weekend's whitewash - with Joe Schmidt telling him after the game that he'll be "working at review and looking back through things" with an immediate eye to the Six Nations and the tour of South Africa, yet he was unwilling to commit himself to the World Cup in Japan in four years' time - "Way too early for that!"

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Liam Toland says Argentina were better with and without the ball, with Ireland missing their leaders ever so sorely. As for the player reaction, Chris Henry conceded Ireland were beaten by a "much better side".

In Sunday's other game Australia edged Scotland - a controversial late penalty by Bernard Foley made for a very unhappy Scottish crowd, with referee Craig Joubert quickly sprinting off the field upon the final whistle, and his performance has not gone down well.

In the Pro12 league Munster continued their winning start to move top of the table with a win over Cardiff at Musgrave Park.

Soccer: Premier League

Meanwhile in yesterday's Premier League game Newcastle thrashed Norwich 6-2 to secure their first win of the season - Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum scored four at St James' Park.

Also in soccer Ken Early's column this morning is analysing Jurgen Klopp's first week in charge of Liverpool.

GAA

In the GAA club scene the Cork senior football final ended all square between Castlehaven and Nemo Rangers, as Naomh Conail wrapped up the title in Donegal, as did Scotstown in Monaghan, and Clan na nGael in Roscommon.

What to watch out for:

Monday night football sees Swansea City take on Stoke City at the Liberty Stadium at 8pm.

Sky Sports 1 from 7pm