Updated at 08.00
SO WHERE DO Joe Schmidt and Ireland go from here?
Murray Kinsella is joined by Johne Murphy to analyse the disappointing opening weekend defeat to Scotland on Saturday.
We discuss how the hosts broke through the Irish defence, the performance of the lineout at Murrayfield and look ahead to Rome for a game with Conor O’Shea’s Italy.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Ireland lost this game in the first 12 minutes. Best, was not at his best, and he lost three line outs in that period. On the 12th minute of the game, Ireland won a penalty on the Scottish 5m line. Best should have chosen to scrum down, which would have forced another penalty (we had already won 4 penalties from scrums and Poite had threatened Scotland with a card). Another scrum penalty would have resulted in a yellow card, scrum down again, Ireland would have either pushed over or been awarded a penalty try. It was poor from Best not to realize that, and capitalize on it. We failed to put Scotland to the sword, unfortunately we lack killer edge which the other big nations possess. I’m surprised none of the post game analysts have picked up on this, even O’Connell mentions it during the game, “I’d probably go for a scurm here”,.
The sooner they realise Kearny is finished at this level the sooner the gaps will close in defence…
I can no longer hold council after I promised myself to stay away. I am no fan of Schmidt so I would be biased if I commented. However. I have to just have too. All the reams and reams off experts opinions off what went wrong against Scotland and how to fix it has me well irked. Those players went out on the pitch with a solid immovable game plan ringing in their ears, it failed, spectacularly! Bus drivers were blamed, players too, a defense coach BUT not the over all chief of the game plan, oh no dare we not. Its for these exact reasons, as stated, I am not a fan of JS. Won’t admit HE got it wrong, won’t react with whats in front of him, does not use his “impact” bench and from what I have seen doesn’t seem to like players using their initiative. Its all too “safe”. For example take Zebo for Munster, he is flying it, pops up all over the pitch, his face shows he’s enjoying his game, in a green jersey he is neutered, why ? I’ve said my bit, don’t matter who I get red thumbed by or slagged off by, its MY opinion.
To say Zebo is neutered in green is really disrespectful to the guy, he’s become a great player for Ireland. However, great international players obviously look better against the lower quality opposition in the pro 12 than they do against the higher quality international teams. I’d say go back to not commenting. You’re making yourself upset.
I have no complaints remaining about Zebo, his tackling has improved as has his kicking from hand. Two particularly impressive hoofs over the weekend. But no one is going to pop up all over the field on international duty as much as they do in the Pro 12, no matter where in the back 3 they’re playing. My vote is still for Kearney, he gets unreasonably criticised. But if Schmidt opts for Zebo I’ll be 100% behind that call.
@Richie Da 600cc: To be fair to Zebo he can do little if he is offered nothing. From an offensive point of view Kearney will never offer him useful ball. From a defensive point of view Kearney sits off the defensive line so it just allows it to be cut to ribbons. The second try is a perfect example. Kearney should have closed the line with Earls, at which point Zebo would have raced across to cover any possible incursion. but because Kearney sat back, Zebo is left in total limbo just sauntering around the place. And then Kearney did what he does best and tackles nobody so Hogg just walks in. Kearney is so afraid to do anything these days he ends up being a complete liability to this team. But as you say Joe will stick with this, will continue to pick the likes of Bowe (one of my favourite players in years past). If their analysis cannot see this well then it brings into question to analyse. Never mind not using the bench because they are untrustworthy. I have never seen a coach show such disrespect to his squad of players. But that’s where we are at.
You’re not wrong, Paul. But if you look at the comment above yours it’s not unimaginable why people resort to defending Kearney. There isn’t much room for reasoned analysis on either side..
@Conor Paddington: since my post was just above Pauls and I see no reason to defend Kearney I totally miss your point. Anyway Joe will pick the same thing doing the same rubbish because that is what Joe does best. It is fascinating how moronic this coach is. There is only one way
Blaming a late bus is completely disrespectful to the Scots. They turned up. We didn’t. End of!
Not one person is blaming the bus being late. Just talking about the impact of it being late, which is a fact.
@Conor Paddington: As a business professional I can absolutely categorically state that all the worst decisions I have ever made in life can be tied to my bus being late
that simply is not fair. rob Kearney had a decent game. joe scmidt sucks. he will not back anybody other than his beloved. we have no future with his blinkered viewpoint
Ireland lost this game in the first 12 minutes. Best, was not at his best, and he lost three line outs in that period. On the 12th minute of the game, Ireland won a penalty on the Scottish 5m line. Best should have chosen to scrum down, which would have forced another penalty (we had already won 4 penalties from scrums and Poite had threatened Scotland with a card). Another scrum penalty would have resulted in a yellow card, scrum down again, Ireland would have either pushed over or been awarded a penalty try. It was poor from Best not to realize that, capitalize on it and put Scotland to the sword. Unfortunately we lack the killer edge which the other big nations possess. I’m surprised none of the post game analysts have picked up on this up, even O’Connell mentions during the match commentary, “I’d probably go for a scurm here”.
You need to match your cameras white-balance a bit more, the wide shot is way off compared to the two single shots
Throw in the towel
Given the relentless hand wringing on social media over a rugby defeat I think a judicial tribunal is required,presided over by some of our more eminent sportsmen,say Conor Mcgregor r Michael Conlon to give it the requisite gravitas! What say all u rugger buffs?
Play any 11, 15 or whatever random fat blokes picked up from the pub half sober the night before.