Schmidt adds fuel to the fire
Email ..................................................... Daytime Telephone Number ............................................ IRELAND have warned the All Blacks they intend to meet fire with fire tomorrow night in Dublin after having their fingers burned the last time New Zealand crashed the Aviva Stadium.
The world champions were accused of deliberate head-hunting in the aftermath of the testy 21-9 victory two years ago, which avenged their first defeat by Ireland in their history a fortnight earlier.
Both Malakai Fekitoa and Sam Cane were cited for high challenges, with Fekitoa sinbinned by referee Jaco Peyper and subsequently banned for one match.
It became clear yesterday that Ireland have not forgotten – or forgiven – those excesses ahead of this clash.
“We had just had pretty clear diktat that player safety was paramount,” said Ireland coach Joe Schmidt. “We felt in that game that more could have been done to make sure that was delivered.
“At the time, we said nothing about it because we got beaten fair and square on the day and, when beaten fair and square, the last thing you’re going to do is come out and question things. You have to give respect to the team who have got the better of you.
“But in the context of what we had been told, it was not in line with that. We’d had a few guys who did get knocked about in that game.
“People can make their own minds up about those. I know the feedback we got was there were some things that were unnecessary.
“There were some decisions made by the referee that day that befuddled everybody. I don’t think there’s any confusion with that.
“We’ve got to get out there and give as good as we get. And that’s what will make it a fairly spiky contest on Saturday. It is inevitable because we have to physically front up in these sort of fixtures.
“I know their boys can’t wait to get into it and our boys are the same.” The meeting of the world’s top two sides is significant for Kiwi Schmidt, who is about to decide whether he will return to New Zealand after the World Cup. If he could take down the All Blacks for a second time it would do his CV no harm when chasing coaching jobs back home – and maybe even the top job if Steve Hansen moved on. “I’ve had an incredible five and a half years with this team. They are a great bunch to work with. The backroom team are fantastic,” said Schmidt. “I don’t think it will sway any decision-making at all. For us, this is a massive game, but it is just another game. “I’d say I haven’t really thought about it too much, which is great. I don’t really want to think about it.” Schmidt has made four changes to the team who beat Argentina last Saturday. Veteran Rob Kearney is preferred to wonderkid Jordan Larmour at full-back, with Leinster team-mates Devin Toner, Dan Leavy and Garry Ringrose also returning. Leavy, who replaced Sean O’Brien off the bench against the Pumas when the Lions flanker broke his arm, missed training yesterday but has been declared fit.
The All Blacks made one enforced change from their Twickenham starting line-up, with Ryan Crotty coming in for the injured Sonny Bill Williams at centre. Second-row sidekicks Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock will start their 50th Test together.
SARACENS’ Chris Wyles has come out of retirement to offer wing cover for the Premiership champions against Sale tomorrow.
SPRINGBOKS flanker JeanLuc Du Preez has joined Sale on a three-month deal as cover for the injured Tom Curry.
We have to get out there give as good as we get