Anthony Foley has given one of the least caustic analyses of Ireland's World Cup exit, preferring to focus on the injuries and self-imposed absences, as well as the decision of Jerome Garces to spare Ramiro Herrera a red card.
Once Garces told his TMO that he wanted to be 100% sure before sending off Herrera, it was clear he was going to fudge the matter.
After gratefully pocketing the info that Herrera had bound with his left arm, Garces cut off his TMO before he could complicate the issue by telling him any more.
Assuming it was a penalty, Foley can't understand how it wasn't unaccompanied by a second yellow card. Otherwise, why was it a penalty in the first place?
If it wasn't a sanctionable offence why did he penalise him? It was something, there were three points in the game at that stage. There was the opportunity, there was a big moment with the TMO and the referee with your man flying into the ruck. Some would argue that is a yellow card.
As for the finale, Foley is convinced it was the injuries 'wot done it'.
What told near the end were the injuries and the suspensions from the French game. There was a definite zip in the Argentinians' finish in the game compared to the Irish. It would have been easy for them to drop their heads when they were 17 points down, but they stood up to it and fought back. But I don't think you can give any side a 17 point lead.
Read more: Brian O'Driscoll Explains Why Jared Payne May Have Been The Most Critical Absence
