LEINSTER’S SOON-TO-BE retired back Isa Nacewa has backed new Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt to take the promotion in his stride.
The double Heineken Cup-winning boss was today confirmed as the new national team chief, by the IRFU. He will hold his first press conference alongside union chief executive Philip Browne at 4pm.
“Joe’s an outstanding coach,” said Nacewa, who is entering the final weeks of his playing career. ”The performances over the past few years prove that. Every team he’s been with is successful, it’s a great thing for Irish rugby.
“It’s purely new challenge for him doing an international job but most of the players would agree that he gets the best out of players on and off the field and I’m sure that he’ll bind the four provinces together. So it’s a new challenge for him but one he’ll definitely be up to.”
One of Schmidt’s backroom staff, Richie Murphy, insisted he had yet to have a conversation with his boss about following him to the national set-up.
“Delighted for Joe,” said Murphy earlier. “On a personal level I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for him. From a Leinster point of view, I’m very sad to lose him. He’s been a fantastic coach for the staff and players and I think everyone will be sad to see him go.
“That conversation [about leaving] hasn’t happened, obviously I have another 12 months like the other two boys with Leinster. We’ve been getting ready for that match at the weekend, obviously there’s been stuff going on in the background but those conversations haven’t happened yet.”
Pogbaaaaaaaaa
A completely different side to what was seen under José. Now the players can truly express themselves! Even if Ole says they haven’t really changed the tactics, as long as they play like this, tactics are just fine with me.
@Gavin Mitchell: the pantomime villain is gone, United should give ole a 5 year contract
@Gavin Mitchell: Im actually sitting watching Man United and willing them to attack and score another goal again.. probably not now that Bailey is sent off.
Man United are on an upward trajectory, Solksjaer has told them to enjoy themselves 1000 times by now, and the rest is plain sailing
@Eamo world class Dunphy: I dare to say, after 3 wins against Cardiff, Huddersfield and soon to be Bournemouth, the good times are back, baby
@Eamo world class Dunphy: after seeing some of the team’s spurs and city have dropped points to recently then I would agree, 3 very good results. Considering where United were at prior to that
Paul Pogba, ballon d’or 2019
@Eamo world class Dunphy: trolling
@Anthony: eamo never trolls baby
The new kid… Pogba? He’s pretty good!
When United come up against a proper team then we can judge them, people are saying spurs will destroy them but sure look at what wolves did yesterday to spurs.
Still needs some work on the defence though but the style of football is completely different under Ole. Amazing how much Jose was holding them back. Hopefully the don’t down tools again. Aiming for top 4 while Liverpool chase the title is brutal.
I wonder who will win?
@Ross Fehily: utd will clip them
God Pogba and Rashford have been immense. I have to say Pogba is really showing his class now. Still has a bit to go to justify his price tag but he’s going the right way about it. Naturally any Man U haters will not agree, that’s to be expected lol
Deserved goal from Bournmouth had 3 good chances, took one.
Utd poor from corners all year, centrebacks needed in January.
Pogba brilliant but showing how much he held back under Jose.
If United can maintain this positivity, I can see them nipping 4th. And with transfer windows they can clear out the average players and go big. Alderwerald, Koulebale, maybe bid for Varane? And replace Matic with a younger faster similar style player.
@Finn Faulkner: dead on.
@Finn Faulkner: a solid CB and a world class CM is all the tinkering needed.. and a permanent manager, and DDG to sign a new contract!! Great work so far, long road yet.
Lidelof, Shaw, Young, not good enough for utd.
@Martin McKenna: they’re all great under ole. Jose was mean to them. They stopped playing under Jose cos he wasn’t nice to them. They’re great players now
@Eamo world class Dunphy: Lindelof an accident waiting to happen.
@Martin McKenna: I think Shaw is good enough for United and Young has been a solid player for the last 6 years. I think he’s worth keeping around as he’s a decent squad player. Lindelof has been very poor but like the rest of the team he looks a different player since Mourinho left.
@Martin McKenna: I always thought of Young as a leader. Seems to be no nonsense kind of guy
@Robert O Farrell: agree in the main but would love a top centreback, look at the difference van dyke made for pool.
Think utd need certainty at the back for next season to contend and definitely if Europe is on the horizon.
@Bluey: He got a new contract last season despite being nowhere near the starting XI. Apparently Jose didn’t want to lose his influence in the dressing room
@Virgil Van Dijk: when you win silverware then you can talk !!
@Martin McKenna: people been saying that Lindelof is an accident waiting to happen but he is Uniteds best defender. He’s got very good positional sense
WHy can’t I see any comments on this page ?
@Chris Cantwell: very philosophical question, I also “can’t see any comments”