PROBLEMS REMAIN BUT WE CAN SEE POTENTIAL SHINING
AS the joy fades, it is impossible to ignore the regret that lingers.
It clings to recollections of the Irish Six Nations effort, like barnacles on a neglected hull.
This is not to try and dilute the achievements of team in the Aviva Stadium last Saturday. It was by times a magnificent performance, and for application and attitude, a match for what this group achieved in Soldier Field last November.
However, when considering how Ireland applied themselves to the job of beating a tremendous English team — and they are that — one cannot submerge the frustrations at their failure to reach that pitch against Scotland, in particular, but also at times against Wales.
Maybe it is impossible in the modern game to play as Ireland did five times in seven weeks. So be it; we should desist, therefore, from talk of Grand Slams and championships from here on in.
The truth is, of course, it is not impossible. It is extremely difficult for a country with Ireland’s decidedly finite reservoirs of talent, but it is not beyond the bound of achievement.
Joe Schmidt to shepherd Ireland from good to consistently great, that has to happen. Week after week, time after time, the team needs to be good enough to handle what is thrown at them, and respond with the necessary tactics.
Some days, like last Saturday, they will need to be aggressive and hit rucks with precision of an owl swooping on a field mouse. On other days, they will have to be able to play around defences, to rely on stealth and movement rather than uncorking aggression time and again.
That tactic worked against England but it won’t work every time. Against the best sides, it will not be a success even very often. It put England back on their heels and they were never allowed to right themselves, but more is needed, consistency most of all.
Ireland’s players and coaches and many pundits sympathetic to the cause argue that this performance was not very different to the efforts in Murrayfield and Cardiff. Small margins, they shrug, as if there is an element of the unpredictable that no team can control. That is rubbish. Wanting it more is not a point of difference that very often counts against the best sides. One-eyed Kiwis could argue New Zealand wanted it more in Dublin last November, but then their higher levels of desire were comple For mented by better skills and more variety in attack.
Talking of small margins is only attempting to explain away mistakes Ireland made against Scotland and Wales, both on the pitch but off it, too.
The most ambitious sides make sure they end up the right side of any margins that might exist, and they do it consistently.
Last weekend was a triumph for Schmidt after days of uncomfortable scrutiny. His selection calls all worked, and he is entitled to take particular succour from the performance of Kieran Marmion. It has been suggested, unfairly, that the Connacht scrum half has not been given enough chances to start by the coach.
Ireland play around 10 Test matches in a given year. They need their first-pick team for at least seven of them: the Six Nations matches and two November Tests against Sanzar countries. A challenging summer tour would require a strong roster as well.
Those complaining, then, that Marmion has suffered because Conor Murray – the best No9 in the world on current form, remember – always gets picked fail to point out the glaring instances of the deputy not getting a fair run. It is nonsense, of course, but Schmidt can certainly take reassurance from how well Marmion played against England. He will not dislodge Murray from the team, and nor should he. In fact, what Ireland need at this point in their development is more consistency in selection. The temptation to gloat at England’s failure is, predictably, too great to resist for many here, but be certain that Schmidt will watch what they have done and learn from it. One of the most effective steps taken by Eddie Jones has been a regular team. Out half and the centre positions were previously unsettled but Jones knows who he wants and where he wants them. Schmidt must do likewise, especially in the back row. The team plays better with Peter O’Mahony in it and his starting place should now be sealed. It should be in the No6 shirt, too, with CJ Stander accommodated at No8 and Sean O’Brien certain to feel pressure from Josh van der Flier for the openside position.
Iain Henderson and Donnacha Ryan offer a good mix in the second row, and Jack McGrath and Tadhg Furlong are unmovable pillars as well.
Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose will be let continue their partnership in the centre, one presumes, but the back three needs more pace if a wider game-plan is to be pursued.
The basis for development is obvious. The beauty of ending the championship as Ireland did means these permutations are exciting, rather than alternatives to failure conceived in an environment of panic and recrimination.
Ireland’s problems have not all disappeared, but thanks to a sterling victory, potential shines more brilliantly than weakness.
With an outstanding coach, brilliant half backs and a pack that is growing in power and meanness, there is promise in Irish rugby.
The trick is in realising it in one bone-shuddering 80-minute episode after another.
Schmidt will learn from Jones’ consistent team selection