EACH PASSING CAP adds a little more composure to Simon Zebo’s Ireland performances, and the 24-year-old is now standing out as the player so many predicted he would become.
The Cork man has strung together a line of impressive displays in green since last summer in Argentina, his excellent showing yesterday against England arguably being the pick of the bunch.
From regathering kicks in the air, hassling England’s fielders, tackling ball carriers and beating defenders himself, this was another complete outing from Zebo.
His turnover tackle on Anthony Watson in the build-up to Robbie Henshaw’s try was typical of Zebo’s work rate and selflessness. The impression is of a player increasingly comfortable in international rugby, but the man himself laughs off the suggestion.
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“He had us on our toes and we were constantly trying to cut off space. If felt like a tough, quick game and in the last 10 minutes they were really putting us under the pump. One or two little decisions could have sent the match either way.”
A modest response of course, as Ireland enjoyed dominance of the fixture overall and England were essentially made bystanders to the tactical acuity of Joe Schmidt, Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray.
Zebo was strong under the high ball in Dublin. Source: Colm O’Neill/INPHO
“They’re quality players, they’ve proven they’re world-class,” said Zebo of Ireland’s halfback pairing.
“From the outside, it’s just really easy I suppose. You know what they’re going to do and when they’re going to do it and Joe has a great game plan. Those two boys are more than capable of executing it.”
As for himself, Zebo has now started all of Ireland’s last eight games, a run that underlines his status as Schmidt’s first-choice left wing. Despite the level of competition for places in the back three, the Munster flyer is now becoming a signature Schmidt selection.