Grand Slam dream still on as Ireland beat Wales
IRELAND 37 WALES 27
JOE SCHMIDT batted away Warren Gatland’s barbs after his Ireland side took a massive step towards a first Grand Slam title in nine years.
England’s shock defeat to Scotland means Ireland are the only team that can still claim the Slam, with the Scots up next at home on March 10.
Gatland has criticised Ireland’s style of play in the past and, after seeing his team’s championship hopes go up in smoke, he deadpanned: “I thought they (Ireland) were outstanding. I apologise to Joe if I upset him.
Schmidt replied: “I think we’ve been sparring partners a while. Other
people make assessments. I don’t look at the performance of our opponents when the game is done, I’m more interested in our own performance.” Gatland was fulsome in his praise of the hosts as Schmidt’s charges equalled the Irish record of 10 consecutive wins with a 37-27 victory over Wales to leave them within two victories of the clean sweep..
“I thought they moved the ball brilliantly well, and they were so exciting the way they played today.
“I think they were really good. So credit to Joe and the team and their attacking staff, and they are definitely going in the right direction.”
Schmidt said Keith Earls’ substitution was precautionary after his calves tightened and claimed Conor Murray, who sustained a foot injury, and Johnny Sexton would be OK for the home clash with Scotland on Saturday week.
The Ireland boss added that Sean O’brien, Garry Ringrose, Tadhg Furlong and Iain Henderson would also be in the mix.
“The thing is we’re not going to rush players back,” he said. “It’s something we decided with Tadhg and Iain this week, Iain could have played but we didn’t want it destabilising our preparation, waiting for the warm-up to see if he was OK.
“We want the group to stay nice and large and competitive, to keep building forward.”
Man of the match Chris Farrell, after his 6 Nations debut, said that Ireland believe they can land the Grand Slam.
“Absolutely,” insisted Farrell. “There is belief.”
Schmidt claimed that Ireland won’t get caught up in the hype.
“It’s actually a lot easier for us than it is externally because we do live in a bit of a bubble in the championship,” he stated.
“They won’t get too excited because we have a few things planned for them (next week).”