Why are Ireland going off the boil once again? Schmidt’s impending exit?

With Joe Schmidt’s men struggling for form, Tom Cary examines the reasons for their decline

It may be coincidental, but it is remarkable how the wheels have come off since Joe Schmidt announced he would leave his position as Ireland head coach after the 2019 World Cup to “prioritise his family” (the 53-year-old New Zealander has four children, including a son, Luke, who has severe epilepsy).

Did Schmidt’s announcement, and the Irish Rugby Football Union’s decision – at the same time – to promote defence coach Andy Farrell to the main role post-japan change the dynamic within the squad?

Perhaps the players want to impress their next boss? Perhaps Farrell feels he needs to be more assertive? Everyone insists it is business as usual, but...

Weight of history?

There is a sense of deja vu. In 2007, 2011 and 2015, Ireland teams brimming with talent headed to World Cups with high hopes, only to stutter on the big stage. In 2015, admittedly, it was largely because of injuries to key players. But still.

Micro-management?

Schmidt is forensic in his preparation. Players know every little mistake is seen and reviewed. When times are good that is lauded. When not, it can be suffocating. Some, notably Simon Zebo, have not responded well. He was jettisoned. It is a shame Ireland cannot call on one of their most gifted players.

Worked out?

The Ireland of 2018 were a machine. They made few unforced errors, exited their own half efficiently, chased kicks and built pressure relentlessly. Even if they received some criticism for their lack of ruthlessness in the

opposition 22, they made so few errors they would eventually reap the rewards. Johnny Sexton pulled the strings. But have other teams have worked them out? England have twice outmuscled them, attacking them at the breakdown, at the set-piece and in the air.

Over-reliance on players?

Schmidt has done his best here. Conscious that Ireland failed to cope with injuries in 2015, he has worked hard to add greater depth. The IRFU has also been cute with residency rules, bringing in Bundee Aki and C J Stander. You still feel they are a couple of injuries away from disaster though. Sexton is the big one.

Can they hit back?

This is still the same Ireland team of 2018 that won a Grand Slam. But Schmidt cannot afford to risk all his players in these warm-up games. He will hope for a vastly improved performance today from his mix-and-match XV, then a rousing send-off in Dublin next weekend.

Ireland were a machine, but other teams may have worked them out