JOE SCHMIDT HAS had some big selection decisions weighing on his mind this week, with much of the clamour on the outside of the Ireland camp calling for changes in the wake of defeat in Cardiff.
Click Here: nrl league merchandise
The Ireland head coach has never been one to fold to that kind of pressure – often insisting he is not even aware of some of the biggest debates – but Schmidt is utterly scrupulous in making his selection decisions.
Schmidt will confirm his team tomorrow afternoon. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
We can rest assured that each time the Ireland boss makes a call in his team or on the bench, he has considered every aspect of Ireland’s game plan, the opposition strengths and weaknesses, the importance of continuity, the weather conditions, player’s training and playing form, and a whole lot more. No stone is unturned.
This week poses several intriguing dilemmas for Schmidt and with England arriving in Dublin for Saturday’s Six Nations finale, he has apparently been keeping his players on their toes too.
Most of the time, Ireland’s starters will know from very early in a match week, sometimes even before the match week, whether or not they have made the starting XV.
This week, however, Schmidt has been frequently switching players in and out of the ‘first’ team at training in Carton House, keen to prompt the kind of uncertainty that can often bring about improved focus and desire.
Indeed, the camp is in something of a lockdown this week, and that’s understandable given the pressure that has mounted since last Friday night and also the importance of Saturday’s meeting with England.
Were Ireland to lose while Wales beat France and Scotland won against Italy, Joe Schmidt’s men would slip from their current fourth place in the World Rugby rankings, meaning a more difficult pool draw for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Clearly, Schmidt needs to nail his team selection.
The calls for Peter O’Mahony’s inclusion have grown over the course of this championship, but it’s still difficult to see who Schmidt sacrifices from his back row.
Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO
O’Mahony adds more than the well-flagged lineout quality – he is world-class in that department – and his leadership, breakdown work, decision-making and passing ability, as well as a dogged ball-carrying game, are all tempting attributes.
O’Mahony is a blindside flanker by trade and CJ Stander has been in excellent form, but it would seem most likely that the Munster captain replaces his provincial team-mate if he does start.
Sean O’Brien had a poor game by his standards in Cardiff, losing possession at two crucial times in the second half – his loose pass to Jamie Heaslip eventually led to George North’s second try – but he is the most ‘natural’ openside and Schmidt has great faith in him.
Still, it’s not inconceivable that both O’Mahony and Stander start, even if that would mean an odd-looking starting back row.