We’d be wrong to think that we have all our bases covered, says Kiss
LES KISS is a bit hazy on the details of where and how exactly Ireland were derailed the last time they went about defending the Six Nations title. Having claimed a first championship since 1985, Declan Kidney’s side finished out 2009 with an unbeaten November only to crash in Paris and later lose the Triple Crown at home to Scotland.
It was a considerable letdown, one a nation hopes won’t be repeated when Joe Schmidt sets about defending the title his team won in March 2014.
‘I’m not clear on the actual matches we played. Was that the year we froze out in Paris (2012)? I’m trying to recall all those moments that happened,’ said Kiss, poised to head into his seventh and final Six Nations as an assistant before his post-World Cup switch to becoming Ulster’s director of rugby.
‘It can sometimes be a bit of luck, sometimes a bad call by a player. There is different things. The fact you mention a yellow card (Cian Healy was sin-binned at a critical juncture in Paris in 2010), maybe discipline is one of those things we have got to be better at and make sure we stay on a good path there.
‘We do pride ourselves on being an exceptionally disciplined team and it is quite clear that is noticed by the referees that we are trying to be technically good at what we do.
‘Every campaign has its uniqueness and you need to be clear about the job that is in front of you. In other words, the past certainly can provide some clues going forward and past performances can possibly offer you some confidence, but it doesn’t guarantee you anything. Sport moves at such a speed these days that you try and develop an edge everywhere.’
Ireland’s plan is to reflect and plan at a two-night pre-Christmas review on December 21-23, and while required improvements will be flagged despite winning nine of 10 matches in 2014, Kiss believes the mood will be very much upbeat when they reassemble.
‘Our approach is about being real more than anything and real means if it is good it’s good and you will be rewarded and recognised, and if it’s not up to the mark then it will be recognised as well.
‘It’s not just positive or negative, it’s just being real and reflective in terms of what we wanted to achieve and in terms of a plan and a few other things, did we deliver on it?
‘I don’t think we’ll be sending anyone home for Christmas feeling down, that’s for sure, but we’ll be real about where we are and what we need to do to go forward.’
Schmidt’s 13-Test tenure has seen 56 players capped – 13 of them debutants – but Kiss insists Ireland haven’t reached the stage where all bases are covered in terms of depth.
‘Some of that 56 is because of injury, which hasn’t been ideal, but the upside is some players have been exposed. It’s a really strong point that players can move in and step up. Without a doubt, some did really well over November, but there is work still to be done.
‘To say we used 56 and now we’re covered for the next campaign, it would be wrong. We have to stay on top of things.
‘The provinces have been very important in terms of developing the players. The relationships built there and the conversations happening with the coaches in those areas in terms of the players and how we would like them to develop, it’s fantastic at the moment.
‘Everyone’s contributing to the fact we can call on 56 players and be in the place we are but we won’t fool ourselves.
It’s hard work and there is still a lot of water to go under the bridge before we the Six Nations.’