Marginal gains can prove Ireland’s credentials
Joe Schmidt has a few fine details to address, starting today against Italy, says Charlie Morgan
Who is deputy No9?
Ireland’s reliance on the first-choice half-back pairing of Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton, two superb game managers, is no secret. But at least Joey Carbery’s move to Munster has bolstered Joe Schmidt’s back-up behind kingpin Sexton.
Whereas the All Blacks and England usually use both scrumhalves in their match-day 23 as a one-two punch, Ireland have always appeared reluctant to take off Murray. However, the 29-year-old has not played since the third Test against Australia on June 23 due to a neck injury.
He will return to the Munster side in the coming weeks and may even be rushed back to face New Zealand in a fortnight. In the meantime, though, a three-way scrap awaits.
Leinster’s Luke Mcgrath and John Cooney, of Ulster, get the first crack in Chicago against Italy. Connacht’s Kieran Marmion appears poised to feature in the Argentina game. Schmidt’s requirements are notoriously exact, especially for decisionmaking positions, so watch that space.
What is the centre and secondrow pecking order?
England are probably gun-to-head certain of three places in their line-up for a theoretical World Cup final if everyone is fit – Tom Curry would wear seven with Mako Vunipola at loosehead prop and Billy Vunipola at No8. Maro Itoje and Owen Farrell would start, but could be in one of two positions.
Ireland, on the other hand, could ink down as many as 12 names. A couple of areas that remain slightly unsure are these: who partners phenomenal Leinster lock James Ryan and what is the premier centre partnership? Tadhg Beirne has been brilliant for Munster, while aggression and dynamism are Iain Henderson’s compelling selling points. Devin Toner remains ultra-reliable.
More riches lie in midfield, from diligent Garry Ringrose to gamebreaking Bundee Aki via Robbie Henshaw and Will Addison.
Can they assert themselves against New Zealand?
When Ireland have found it tough in 2018 so far, in Paris and against Australia, it has been when a breakdown-savvy team has stopped them on the gain-line and stunted their ruck speed. Defensively, they might be ever so slightly vulnerable out wide – see Wales’s stirring comeback at the Aviva Stadium in February.
On Nov 17, when New Zealand arrive in Dublin, the hosts will be tested in both those facets. How they respond, and whether they can impose their own plans over 80 minutes, will provide a good insight into their credentials as Webb Ellis Trophy contenders.
In Chicago two years ago, Ireland followed their game-plan to absolute precision. Two weeks later, Beauden Barrett’s kickpassing and some eye-watering tackling won it for New Zealand.
Schmidt studies opponents and thinks up incisive strike moves to pick apart weaknesses, and we know Ireland excel in structured situations. They will need to thrive in fractured exchanges, as well, to thrive at the World Cup.