With the 2015 Rugby World Cup fast approaching, Last Word on Sports looks back at how the participating nations have fared in the previous seven tournaments from the inaugural in 1987 to the most recent in 2011. Today’s focus is Ireland, who have appeared at each of the seven previous Rugby World Cups.

Rugby World Cup History: Ireland

1987

Ireland competed at the first Rugby World Cup as one of the seven International Rugby Football Board members and were drawn in Pool 2 alongside fellow IRFB member Wales and invited nations Canada and Tonga. Ireland did not get off to the best of starts losing 13-6 to Wales, however they bounced back in their second game to see off Canada 46-19. A 32-9 win over Tonga in their final pool game saw the Irish secure qualification to the quarter finals. Facing off against co-host Australia in the quarter finals the Irish were unable to match the Wallabies and were sent crashing out 33-15.

1991

Ireland qualified for the 1991 Rugby World Cup when they reached the quarterfinals in 1987. Drawn in Pool B with Japan, Scotland and Zimbabwe, Ireland got off to a great start winning 55-11 against Zimbabwe. The Irish sealed quarter final qualification in their second game with a win against Japan, leaving them a game against Scotland to determine the pool winner. Ireland were unable to defeat Scotland losing out 24-15 to set up a repeat of the 1987 quarter final against Australia. Ireland put up a gallant effort but in the end the result was the same with the Wallabies running out 19-18 on this occasion.

1995

At the 1995 Rugby World Cup Ireland faced Japan, New Zealand and Wales in Pool C, and had an inauspicious start losing 43-19 to Jonah Lomu and the All Blacks. Ireland bounced back in their second game against Japan running out 50-28 winners, before edging out Wales by a single point to qualify for the quarter finals. Facing France in the quarter finals the Irish were defeated by Les Bleus as the French advanced and the Irish went home.

1999

As only the top three finishers in 1995 automatically qualified for the 1999 World Cup Ireland would need to compete in regional qualifiers to reach the finals. Facing Georgia and Romania, Ireland beat both opponents comfortably to qualify. At the finals Ireland were drawn in Pool 5 with Australia, Romania and USA, and started well defeating the USA 53-8. Facing Australia in their second game Ireland were hoping it would be third time’s a charm having lost both their previous World Cup matches against the Wallabies. Alas it was the same old story as Australia defeated the Irish 23-3. As in qualifying, Ireland defeated Romania, to advance to the quarter final playoff. Facing Argentina for a spot in the quarter finals the Pumas dispatched the Irish 28-24 in a tight game that saw Ireland eliminated.

2003

Ireland defeated Georgia and Russia to qualify for the 2003 World Cup in Australia, and were drawn in Pool A with Argentina, Australia, Namibia and Romania. Ireland started their World Cup well defeating both Romania and Namibia comfortably. Ireland then got revenge on Argentina for their 1999 defeat edging the Pumas 16-15. Facing World Cup nemesis Australia with the winner topping the pool, it was a case of déjà-vu as Ireland lost a close game 17-16. Facing France in a repeat of the 1995 quarter final, Ireland were unable to avenge their defeat from eight years previous as France won 43-21 to advance.

2007

Having qualified by reaching the quarter finals 4 years earlier, Ireland were drawn in Pool D against Argentina, Georgia, France and Namibia. Ireland got off to a good start beating Namibia 32-17, However Georgia gave them a scare taking the lead in the second half before Ireland managed to secure a 14-10 win. Ireland’s campaign then took a turn for the worse as they lost 25-3 to France and then were defeated by Argentina leaving them third in the pool and failing to advance to the knock out stages for the first time.

2011

Despite not making the quarter finals in 2007, third in their pool was good enough for Ireland to qualify for 2011 automatically. Drawn in Pool C with Australia, Italy, Russia and USA, Ireland got off to a good start defeating the Americans 22-10. Ireland then took command of the group and exacted revenge on Australia for four previous World Cup defeats winning 15-6. Comfortable wins against Russia and Italy saw Ireland top the group and advance to the quarter finals. Facing Six Nations rival Wales, Ireland once again found themselves on the wrong side of the score line in a World Cup knock out match, as Wales ran out 22-10 winners.

Ireland have yet to hit top form at a World Cup. Despite advancing from the pool stages in six out of the seven previous World Cups they are yet to win a knockout game. Joe Schmidt’s men will be looking to end that streak at this year’s World Cup, as the Six Nations champions aim to live up to their billing as one of the tournament favourites.

To read more Rugby World Cup History click here

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