Ireland's World Cup journey came to an end in the quarter-finals against France, but the team's performance signals a promising future. Despite leading 13-0 at one point, Ireland couldn't hold off France's comeback, ultimately losing 18-13. This match was filled with moments of 'what ifs', including a missed try just before half-time and a controversial alleged bite incident involving Aoife Wafer.

Key Highlights:

• Early Lead: Ireland started strong, leading 13-0 at one stage.
• France's Comeback: France scored 18 unanswered points in the second half.
• Youthful Squad: With players like Aoife Dalton (22) and Dannah O'Brien (21), Ireland's future looks bright.

Coach's Perspective: Head coach Scott Bemand expressed pride in the team's progress, noting the significant improvement over the past two years. 'Our group doesn't get daunted by big occasions anymore; they get excited by it,' Bemand said.

Player Reactions: Aoife Dalton reflected on the match, 'We felt like we had it. It's just going to hurt for a while.' Sam Monaghan, the team captain, emphasized the youth of the squad and their potential for future success.

Looking Ahead: Ireland's focus now shifts to the 2026 Six Nations, where they aim to continue their upward trajectory. The team's growing support, known as 'the green wave,' is expected to play a crucial role in their future matches.

Conclusion: While the World Cup exit is disappointing, Ireland's rugby story is far from over. With a young and talented squad, the team is poised to make significant strides in the coming years.