LAST CHANCE TO IMPRESS
Fringe men can boost their claims in final Test
IT MAY feel like a comedown after last weekend’s incredible highs but, in time, today’s clash with the US could prove to be more significant than the historic win over New Zealand seven days ago.
That is not being facetious, that is taking an overview on Joe Schmidt’s selection for this American assignment and what it could lead to next year, and beyond.
Beating the All Blacks, and the manner in which they did it, was a massive achievement for Ireland and, psychologically, will do more to bed in the self-belief necessary for World Cup achievement than any other result.
However, on a practical level, with the lessons of their quarter-final failure against Argentina nagging away, creating quality depth and sorting the pecking order has been the priority since 2015, and this evening is the last, proper opportunity for a full audition.
After today, there are just nine matches left before Ireland’s opening World Cup pool fixture against Japan and all are compromised.
The intensity of the Six Nations allows scope for subtle tweaking but little room for wholesale experimentation while the four warm-up games for Japan 2019 are all about getting up to speed with the chosen squad — too close to be parachuting bolters into the equation.
So, while the atmosphere and quality of opposition will be several levels down on last weekend, it can be argued there is even more at stake for Schmidt and his carefully selected contingent of fringe candidates.
It is not patronising to describe the US as a decent, developing operation with a canny coach in Gary Gold. The Eagles summer win over Scotland, allied to Ireland nearly getting caught by Fiji in similar circumstances this time last year (they won 23-20), has focused Irish minds this week in Carton House – even after the residual euphoria of last weekend.
That should translate into a dominant performance this evening. The bar has been raised, the window of opportunity is closing and it is all to play for. So, what will we, and more importantly, Schmidt be looking for in Ireland’s final November outing?
WHERE THERE’S A WILL…
There is potency throughout Ireland’s backline but this match is set up for Will Addison at 15. The versatile Ulster player has looked lively this month and, with the extra time and space available at full-back, he can use his speed and footwork to do serious damage. Ireland were rampant in attack against the limp Italians in Chicago, functional versus Argentina and wonderfully clinical against the All Blacks. Against a US side who can be depended upon to be physical, they need to test their offensive abilities in the right circumstances — systematically break down the Americans and then cut them apart as a dry run for pool assignments against Japan, Samoa and Russia.
NO HALF MEASURES
With the World Cup in mind, perhaps the greatest area of scrutiny is at half-back. Joey Carbery produced a mixed bag in Chicago and still has to properly convince his satchel of tricks can be embraced within a dominant, match-controlling display. Ross Byrne, although not as ‘mesmeric’, has all the attributes to develop into the best out-half option behind Johnny Sexton and Carbery needs to boss this one from the off or face being leapfrogged at 10 by Byrne. John Cooney is in similar territory to Byrne and, with Kieran Marmion out for three months, Ireland’s starting scrum-half has the presence to claim the spot behind Conor Murray.
US AIR FORCE
On the bench against New Zealand having being in charge of the malfunctioning lineout the week before, Iain Henderson needs to produce today and his performance out of touch will be especially under the microscope. Neither he, second row partner Tadhg Beirne nor back up Quinn Roux would be viewed as lineout ‘masters’ and against America’s 6ft 8in jumpers Greg Peterson and Nick Civetta, it is essential Henderson oversees consistent air supply.
IRISH STU
Inside centre is one of the most hotly contested spots in the Ireland squad. Bundee Aki is on fire, Robbie Henshaw is a class act and Munster’s in-form 12 Rory Scannell could easily come back into the equation should Ireland decide they require a second playmaking option to broaden attacking scope. And then there is Stuart McCloskey. The Newtonards man has had a truncated Ireland career, winning his first cap in Twickenham in 2016. He was not seen again until the Fiji game this time last year, and then was absent again until today.
At 6ft 4in and 17stone, the 26year-old is a physical specimen who matches raw power with speed off the mark and subtle handling skills, making him the closest thing Irish rugby has to revered Wales and Lions 12 Jamie Roberts. As it stands, McCloskey is not widely considered a threat to Aki or Henshaw for the No12 jersey but there is no question he has the potential to be the most devastating of the three.
THAT’S A WRAP
Even in the unlikely circumstances of Ireland losing this evening, the victory over New Zealand and opportunities to assess wider squad options would still render this month a resounding success. However, there is no way Schmidt would be content to end this November window (possibly his last as Ireland coach) on a losing note. Irish rugby is buzzing, the players are energised by being part of a winning environment, and Schmidt will be driven to put on a show for the Irish public and keep the good times going.
How long he wants to continue doing that as Ireland coach we will find out in a couple of days.