Can Ireland win the Rugby WC?

I was previously sceptical, not because I don't think they are a good team, but because of the previous litany of failures in this contest and because of the awful draw. They just defied the odds to beat champions South Africa in a low-scoring but brutally attritional game.

Ireland withstood the same immense physical power play that crushed the All Blacks in that record defeat prior to the tournament and emerged victorious due to iron will and superb execution under pressure. South Africa is not out the tournament yet and will be a test for France in the probable quarter-final. However, Ireland exposed their core weakness: if someone stands up to their physicality, there is no plan B. Also, the bench stacked with forwards might give you even more muscle but the lack of a kicker cost them delay.

Ireland will probably play New Zealand next and has a real chance of winning, given their historic test series win last year. However, though it's not a strong All Blacks side, there is no such thing as a weak one and they remain the most skilful attacking team in the world. The draw for this WC is just so unfair, with two of the best four teams in the world (all previously mentioned) certain to exit before the semi-finals. I don't think anyone else has a shot and I say that as an England fan.

So yeah, I think Ireland can do it. If you put a gun to my head, I would say that France is the favourite because of home advantage but any of the other big three is in with a shot. That very much includes Ireland.