Should coach Robbie Deans step down if the Wallabies flop out at the quarter final stage of the World Cup?

Let's face it, a premature end for the Wallabies is suddenly a distinct possibility after the disgraceful loss to Ireland, with South Africa now looming as a final eight opponent and the close to unbackable tournament favourites the All Blacks the likely semi final hurdle.

It's unlikely Deans, with a freshly signed extension to his contract in his back pocket, will fall on his sword. He has backers in high places and regardless of what happens in New Zealand in coming weeks he is responsible for a changing of the guard in the Wallabies' playing ranks that has been largely positive.

But he is also at least partially responsible for arguably the two biggest mistakes in Australian rugby in recent years: the decision not to pick a specialist backup for David Pocock in the World Cup squad and the isolation and eventual cruel discarding of one of the game's best players, Matt Giteau.

It was cringe-inducing to watch Deans, post-match, deny the injured Pocock (and by extension a specialist possession-snatching replacement) would have made the difference against Ireland.

Having dug their grave before departing for New Zealand, Deans and his co-selectors had to opt for the hard-working Ben McCalman to replace one of Australia's most important players in one of the most specialised positions on the field.

Poor McCalman had no chance - how could a bloke who's a cross between a (small) second rower and a barging No. 8 become a ball-thief overnight?

So you don't think, say, Matt Hodgson or even a bloody Shute Shield-standard pilferer would have been a better option Robbie? Of course they would have been: the Australians were humiliated at the breakdown.

Forget the scrum, it was messy (we won't say anything about referee Bryce Lawrence's 50/50 calls -- we've talked about that in this column before) - fact is, the Wallabies have played behind much worse scrums and won, usually because of their efficiency at the breakdown and their artistry in midfield.

Which brings us to the Giteau factor, or the lack thereof. With due respect to Pat McCabe at inside centre -- and he will make a fabulous 12 in time - the Irish were counting their blessings when he repeatedly used the little precious, quality ball the Wallabies secured to run straight as an arrow, his head held way too high making him an easy target.

The Irish tactic to target McCabe was completely obvious. Why wasn't an adjustment made? And let's face it, there is NO way that would have happened if Giteau had been outside the shaky Quade Cooper.

In fact, Giteau with his left boot, rugby smarts and fine step would have been the perfect go-to guy on a day when potential match winner Cooper struggled.

All the ifs and buts mean nothing now. The Wallabies can still win this, they have the talent and in some ways it'll be a more satisfying - borderline remarkable - achievement if they do.

Whatever transpires, let's hope the achievers in this tournament play far better rugby than either then Australians or Irish managed to produce in Auckland. It's been a fine World Cup so far, with the Kiwi public embracing the event with the enthusiasm it deserves, but pray mediocrity is put in its place - whether it's another awful Wallaby performance or one from any of the more limited northern hemisphere teams.