Ruddock calls on Schmidt to stay
After Ireland’s historic triumph over New Zealand last Saturday, there is inevitably something of an after-the-lord-mayor’s-show feel to their match against the United States today.
Joe Schmidt’s decision to make 14 changes to his team has only added to the impression that the Kiwi coach is treating this game as an opportunity to blood a few youngsters and give some untested combinations a whirl, rather than as a full-bore Test match.
To say that there is no interest in the contest could not be further from the truth, however. Schmidt’s promise to make a decision on his future after the game – his contract expires after next year’s World Cup – has ensured the spotlight has been kept very much on Ireland all week.
Every time Schmidt speaks, he is asked about it. Every time one of his coaches or players speaks, their words are pored over for clues. High-profile figures such as former captain Paul O’connell have urged him to stay.
The mood music is very much that Schmidt will depart. Having been in Ireland since 2010, when he took over at Leinster, it is thought that the 53-year-old will head back to New Zealand for family reasons, with the possibility that he might take over from Steve Hansen as head coach of the All Blacks.
If he does, the question then becomes not only who might take over from him – Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Philip Browne told The Daily Telegraph last week that former England coaches Andy Farrell and Stuart Lancaster would both be in the frame – but also what impact his departure might have on Irish rugby.
Ireland are enjoying an unprecedented period of success, having risen to second in the world rankings after three Six Nations titles in the past five years, a series victory in Australia this summer and their second victory over the world champions, two years after the first.
Today’s stand-in captain, Rhys Ruddock, has added his voice to those calling for Schmidt to stay. “It’s obvious he’s an incredible coach and he’s had an incredible impact on the environment as well,” Ruddock said after yesterday’s captain’s run.
“In Leinster I was able to experience that first-hand, and now with Ireland as well. His rugby knowledge is second to none, some of it goes over my head!”
Centre Garry Ringrose is the only player who has kept his place from last weekend, with plenty of fringe players given a chance to impress today.
Fly-half Joey Carbery – Johnny Sexton’s understudy – will be under some pressure to control the match against an Eagles team who are enjoying their highest World Rugby ranking of 13 and are fresh from an impressive 31-5 victory over Romania in Bucharest.