Ireland opened their World Cup with a 32-17 bonus-point victory over Namibia but Pool D rivals France and Argentina will be rubbing their hands in glee after watching this debacle.
Coach Eddie O'Sullivan had demanded Ireland put one of the group's whipping boys to the sword, but instead a disjointed and error-strewn display will have left him deeply concerned.
Brian O'Driscoll, Andrew Trimble and Simon Easterby touched down in the first half as Ireland raced into a 20-3 lead but the Namibians rallied and pegged it back to 27-17, before Jerry Flannery went over to seal a win that will not have given their rivals cause for concern.
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