The Irish team is ranked 6th in the IRB classifying, but hasn’t shown its best in their first three matches. Before they lost to France, Coach Eddie O'Sullivan already admitted he is at a loss to explain Ireland's lack of form. Things haven’t been better since then.

A post on a dedicated to Irish rugby forums points to lack of leadership, saying, “Brian (O’Driscoll) is an exceptional player and will go down in history as the sport’s best centre, but he is far from the kind of leader that could lead Ireland to a World Cup final. I believe O'Driscoll would probably play even better if he did not have the responsibility of captaining the team and was let to get on with his own game.”

The blogger elaborates, “If Ireland falls out of this World Cup on Sunday, I think it is time for a shake-up and a new captain. If that is the case, who are the contenders for the top spot?”