Joe views injury woe as ‘perfect’ prep for Japan
JOE SCHMIDT says losing four frontliners for tomorrow’s must-win clash with Scotland is a blow, but is perfect preparation for the World Cup in Japan. Ireland lost four key players in the build-up to the 2015 World Cup quarter-final with Paul O’Connell, Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien and Johnny Sexton all ruled out of that ill-fated clash with the Pumas due to injury and suspension. Ireland did not have the squad depth to cope as Argentina ran riot in Cardiff. Now, Schmidt has once again found himself without the services of a key quartet of players ahead of tomorrow’s assignment at Murrayfield. Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Devin Toner and CJ Stander were all ruled out this week, forcing Schmidt to make five changes to his starting lineup. Rob Kearney, Chris Farrell, Quinn Roux and Jack Conan have been called up while Schmidt has opted to promote Sean O’Brien ahead of Josh van der Flier in the backrow. ‘Five changes? I’m asked about having five changes, I think that’s perfect,’ said Ireland’s head coach. He added: ‘You know it’s exactly what you may suffer later on in the year and therefore let’s invest in people now, let’s get them out there and let them
demonstrate that they own the jersey and demonstrate they have the right ability to contribute.’ Saturday’s second-round encounter has the added significance of being a World Cup dress rehearsal ahead of the Pool A meeting between these two sides in Yokohama on September 22. Meanwhile, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is expecting to see a muchimproved Ireland turning out at Murrayfield. ‘They’ll want to get back to what they do best which is controlled possession,’ he said. ‘They’re a very good defensive team as well and they’ll challenge our contact.’