WHILE PLEASED WITH his two performances in Argentina last month, Simon Zebo won’t be drawn into suggesting that Ireland’s number 11 jersey is his to lose.
The Munster wing admits it was a pleasure to be back in the international fray after a year-long absence, but now in his third week of pre-season ahead of the 2014/15 campaign, pinpoints provincial form as the only way of impressing Joe Schmidt.
“I just have to keep playing well with Munster. As long as I keep playing well with Munster then I’ll let the green jersey take care of itself,” said Zebo at the launch of the province’s new alternate kit in the University of Limerick.
The main focus obviously for us is starting with a few wins in the Pro12 leading up into the Heineken and after that the November internationals and the Six Nations will all be taken care of. I’ve just got to keep playing well in red.”
Last season saw plenty of speculation around Schmidt’s reasons for being hesitant to bring Zebo back into the Ireland fold, but the 24-year-old underlines that “our relationship is fine.”
The New Zealander congratulated Zebo on performing “very well” in Resistencia and Tucumán, before detailing the areas of the Cork man’s game in which he hopes to see further growth.
“It’s all about one per-centers, you know?” continues the Munster wing. “There’s never going to be anything where you’re 50 per cent better than other players “It’s about getting that one per cent better. [Joe] was happy with the tour and the main thing is we won it. I got a few congrats off him, so I’m happy with that.”
Zebo says Schmidt has never discussed non-rugby issues with him, despite any rumours to the contrary. The 2013 Lions tourist doesn’t “get any extra special treatment or any extra conversations” from the Ireland head coach.
While some have suggested that Zebo perhaps takes the game less seriously than certain peers, on account of his laid-back nature and willingness to celebrate, there is no temptation for the wide man to change his mental approach.
I’d say people who have that impression don’t know the game well enough to judge because they’re obviously not judging me by my rugby. I just tend to not really care about what other people think. If you’ve nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
“That’s what my dad told me from a young age. Why would I play with a frown? I took it up because I loved it and was happy to play it. And I’m still playing it now, so I’m playing with a smile on my face.”
NO ALTERNATIVE: Simon Zebo was speaking at the launch of the new Adidas Munster Rugby 2014/15 alternate kit. The new solar green jersey is available to buy from the 1st August in Life Style Sports Stores nationwide and online at www.lifestylesports.com/munster.
Good man Zeebs, play your heart out for Munster and the international honours will come! Big few injury clear years ahead for the lad hopefully.
Thats it. Just do your thing zebo. It will come…
Great guy, his rap with PJ is still up there with funniest things I have seen in last few years. His attitude and nature can be sometimes as important as on pitch play during a world cup. Hope he can improve his defence to Joe’s liking would be good to see him as a regular one of the most naturally gifted players we have.
I’d say it’s more his timing of passes that needs work. He’s inclined to take too much out of the ball and not make best use of space
Think he’s a fantastic player and a great character. I hope he goes onto great things (in the red jersey )
Noticed in the Argentinean games that he did get on the ball more than in previous games and did more work off it. I’m not taking a pop at Zebo here but he looked a bit heavy. I think he’s a wonderful player but I think he can improve his strength conditioning which could help him step up to the next level, anybody else agree?
Thing is, we are not party to the particular S & C requirements assigned to players. Zebo may have been encouraged to bulk up and was consuming the carbs but not converting them efficiently. Just a suggestion.
Horrendous looking jearsy
Zebos inclusion in the match day squads are less about his perceived attitude and more about the development of the other wingers under Schmidt. An improved zebo developing those aspects of his game that Joe has pointed out he should work on will deliver the form needed for Ireland appearances. Improved development will force inclusion in the match day squads. Any competitive coach cannot afford to leave out a match winner.
You will always get the jealous ones simon they are probally from another province not too far away.
Sean Ulster is quite far away in fairness
Jealous? Why would anyone be jealous Sean?
I doubt neither ulster or Leinster would be too concerned as both have international wingers with pockets full of medals each and on last year’s selection are all ahead of Zebo.
Why can’t you just be happy that he’s come on greatly and we have another wonderful rugby playing in Ireland without letting that chip on your shoulder get the better of you.
Ulster? This would be the province that will provide most of the Irish backline for the near future.
In not sure about that Christian,
Murrary staying put at 9 ,
Jackson has a challenge even consider himself second to sexton.
Marshall has serious injuries issues at 12.
Cave is in the mix to replace bod
Bowe and Trimble are playing in positions where we have 10 quality players any of which could so a job.
And rob Kearney is the full back.
I’m giving ulster a centre and a wing but in reality squad positions for the rest
Squad positions possible but not probable.
Paul Marshall went on tour with emerging Ireland.
Joe took Jackson on tour second to Sexton and has preferred him as second to Sexton so far.
Not only is Cave in the mix for BoD but so is Jared Payne out of position by all media reports and Stuart McCloskey went on tour with emerging Ireland.
Luke Marshall went on tour but much more is expected of the return of Stuart Olding capped with Henshaw.
Alongside Bowe and Trimble add Mike Allen and Craig Gilroy who went on the emerging Ireland tour in those 10 quality players.
In terms of quality backs, hope that Les Kiss will bring back Chris Farrell from Grenoble. In any event Kiss is expected to bring success to Ulster and that starts with developing the playing personnel. Injuries and form will determine just how many make the match day but would expect more than your prediction.
You can name two sets of backlines from ulster if you like but
Murrary ,Sexton and Kearney are nailed on starters and almost every other position has options from all the provinces even the westies have 2 who have as much claim as those toy mentioned.
You are clearly an idealist. Nailed on starters will need to be free from injury and be on form same goes for almost every other position which has options from all the provinces. Given as you say Ulster has two backlines, the chances of them getting picked are better than your prediction.
Sorry if forgot to say if fit
But joe would play a half fit sexton before Jackson.
another thing madigan Keatley and JJ will all play more rugby this year and ulster have some massive problems to address this year and may well go into transition
Joe plays Jackson whenever Sexton is injured, end of. Madigan has yet to convince MoC of his ability to supersede Gopperth end of. Until Munster decide who will be the starting out half then Keatley and JJ will play rugby in what positions? The massive problems that Ulster face is the an issue with the academy recruitment, a CEO that does not know anything about succession planning but what is more disconcerting is the surreptitious undermining from the competitor fans. That aside the coach has the respect of the Ulster players, with that comes the confidence needed for improved performances. I would accept that Ulster are going through a period of change but not in the trajectory you are suggesting.
Nice to know he is getting prepared for “the Heineken” as he says. To think I went to same school as him in cork ;)
Yes he turned out to be a pretty cool guy and unfortunately you turned out a bellend.
Burn!!