O'Driscoll: Pumas were too good
Ireland join Wales and Italy as the Six Nations sides dumped out of the World Cup
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Sunday, 30, Sep 2007 08:22
Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll admitted his side had been outclassed after the 15-30 defeat to Argentina which saw them dumped out of the Rugby World Cup.
The Irish failed to get past the group stage for the first time despite tries from O'Driscoll and Geordan Murphy.
The Pumas scored tries from wings Lucas Borges and Horacio Agulla. Fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez slotted over three goals and centre Felipe Contepomi kicked 11 points.
O'Driscoll said the Pumas were formidable opponents.
"In parts we played some great rugby today, we tried to go out and play. It was difficult, we were playing against a team that refuses to play in their own half," O'Driscoll said.
"They played a good kicking game, [Juan Martin] Hernandez has a good boot on him.
"They controlled it well in fairness, they are a difficult brand to play against, particularly when you have to chase the four tries."
Meanwhile Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan, whose side needed a bonus-point victory to progress, praised the South Americans' defence.
"They kicked a lot of ball deep, we tried to mix between kicking it back and running back and a lot of times we got ourselves into trouble.
"We needed to score four tries today, we gave it out best shot but we just couldn't get enough field position to make it happen for us.
"I'm disappointed for the boys, they tried their guts out but it wasn't to be in the end. It's been a tough World Cup for us, it's not been for the want of trying but that's the way it goes."
Argentina finish top of pool D and will clash with Scotland in the last eight in Paris.