TWO WINS FROM three so far in Ireland’s Rugby World Cup warm-up schedule and, if all goes to plan over the next eight weeks then we’ll quickly forget whether the ratio comes to rest at 3:1 or 2:2.
Form is important though, it builds confidence both inside and outside of the team. A fine margin that begins to look very thick indeed when games are in the mixer and collective anxiety from players or even a crowd – or lack of it – can be a tipping point.
After some excellent and some iffy moments last week in Cardiff, this weekend’s final warm-up poses a far more active threat from Warren Gatland’s Grand Slam winners. And so, Joe Schmidt will be delighted to be able to unleash his star playmakers.
Jonathan Sexton was, according to his head coach, close to being fit for both England and Wales clashes last month, but this week he will finally get a chance to blow off the cobwebs a fortnight out from the defining World Cup Pool A opener in Yokohama.
It goes without saying at this stage, but the world player of the year is absolutely central to Ireland’s attacking gameplan. His kicking from hand guides the team around the field and the cut and thrust of his play-calling and passing puts a slick veneer on the set moves Ireland base so much of their success on.
That Conor Murray will be in harness alongside his long-term half-back partner is an added bonus. The Munster man gave us all a worrying sight when he shipped a head knock during the loss to England. And, while Sexton and Murray both came in for a lot of criticism for their performances during Ireland’s Six Nations slide, Schmidt will need both of them returning to the peak of their powers to bring Ireland back into a 2018 rhythm.
Up against the muscle of Gatland’s Wales, Schmidt has picked an incredibly physical and robust pack. Peter O’Mahony’s blindside spot is filled by CJ Stander, with Jack Conan and Josh van der Flier promising relentless energy in contact.
James Ryan calmed Irish nerves no end with his return last weekend and he will be joined in a veritable house of pain of a second row by Jean Kleyn – bound for the World Cup after two Test appearances. That combination gives Ryan a valuable opportunity to call the line-out against quality opposition like Alun Wyn Jones, while Iain Henderson can take a turn in that role from the bench.
On the back of his immense carrying display in the Principality, Dave Kilcoyne will have to content himself with an impact role from the bench as Schmidt gets his first-choice front row together to set a platform against Wales.
Along with Sexton and Henshaw, Keith Earls also enters the fray for his first appearance of the World Cup season. And while Jacob Stockdale’s absence means the back-line isn’t what you’d call a first choice, the presence of the prolific Limerick man further gives this line-up a familiar feel, with a steady spine from Rob Kearney through the half-backs, Ryan and the front row that means the time for trial runs and experimentation is very nearly over.
Almost every area of the team has tried, tested and experienced combinations in place. So an adverse outcome in terms of performance (not so much result) will make errors and excuses very difficult to explain away between September 7 and D day on September 22 in Yokohama.
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Great to see both Stockdale and O Mahony rested completely. They are needed 100% for Scotland
@Greg Mallin: haha
Interesting to see no real back 3 cover on the bench, i know he says ringrose can cover out wide but I wonder will schmidt try henshaw back at 15 again for a spell in the second half. Aki seems to have the 12 jersey nailed down but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them mixing up the order as the game goes on, either way both centres will need a good game vs what I think is the best centre partnership in world rugby.
After that it’s see how you go for a few guys, I’d say it’s very much an audition for the Scottish game for a few guys – particularly the individuals in the back row but also Cronin at hooker. I’d like to see how a back row of Ruddock, o mahony and stander go together. Killer is pushing hard for a start too but he might be more valuable off the bench.
@Jim Demps: i would like to see that br but tried but imo this br is the most balanced one we can put out. Cj is a great 6 and having a natural 7 on the pitch is always an advantage imo. Conan does need to be consistently good against top sides at international level tho and he can really cause Joe major headaches if he gets the better of this welsh br. Good shout at the 15 option but I think we’ll see Larmour go there if Rob is being taken off. It’s a very strong team, I am quietly confident. That bench has some seriously powerful impact in the forwards especially!
@Jim Demps: killer has been in great form. Him fired up coming on for last 20 odd minutes is a great option to have.
@Kevin: if you’re not in a green jersey it’s a thing of nightmares. His power is freakish, imo he’s one of if not the most improved Irish player over the last season or so.
@Ian Verdon: and in fairness to Healy, most of our other ‘stars’ through form or injury were below par in 2019 bar maybe Earl’s and even he’s carrying injuries now. But I thought Healy was superb all year, great scrummaging & carrying better than ever. I’d start him & bring on killer, no let up at all
@Tim Magner: Healy is back to his best and I’m delighted to be able to say that. As I said earlier it’s brilliant to have two Lh’s that no opposition will be looking forward to going against. Hopefully they continue this form into the coming season and if Jack can get back to his lions level up in Ulster we’ll have 3 excellent options.
@Jim Demps: Larmour to full back, Ringrose to wing would be my thinking. Or Ringrose straight to wing if we’ve a wing replacement.
Managing minutes as well as injury here I think, would be great to win but avoiding injuries will be key to hitting the Scotland game at full tilt. Based purely on form a good few of these guys are under pressure or at least should be Best, Murray, Conan , Kearney Larmour to name just a few and others because they have not played or are returning from injury are susceptible to picking up new ones Earls , Sexton, Henshaw etc.
I would actually wrap JVF in bubblewrap as OS is a potential weakness for us with Leavy injured but regardless can’t wait and forgetting provincial rivalries I hope all have stormers!!!
Is it just me or does many of the Irish squad looked to have trimmed down a few kgs? Aki definitely the most noticeable as maybe a hint that were planning on playing a more running game with the warm dry weather in Japan
@Éamann Ó Duinn: I had that same thought and was talking about with people. You noticed straight away in the English match. So, hopefully as Eddie O says” it pays dividends “ in Japan. Eire Abu !!!!!
@Fitz Mac: Especially compared to England’s Islander players plus I think the white jerseys makes them look bulkier. New Zealand and Australia trimmed down a bit at the last world cup so hoping Ireland get similar results.
Great to see both Stockdale and O’ Mahony rested completely. They are needed 100% for Scotland