Schmidt admits Ireland have struggled to live up to the hype of their stellar 2018

Joe Schmidt has conceded Ireland have struggled to cope with the pressure of their stellar 2018.

Ireland swept the board with a Six Nations Grand Slam last term and stunning victory over back-to-back world champions New Zealand in November.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen installed Ireland as the world’s best team after Schmidt’s men saw off New Zealand 16-9 in Dublin – then insisted the men in green could struggle under the weight of that tag.

Hansen has this week claimed Ireland have indeed failed to cope with that burden, and now Schmidt has accepted the sentiment, with his men losing to England and labouring to wins in Scotland and Italy in this year’s Six Nations so far.

“Probably, the All Blacks are the only team who consistently stay at the top,” said Schmidt, ahead of Ireland hosting France in Dublin tomorrow. “You consider England, Six Nations Grand Slam, they get the Six Nations the following year, and the year after that they are fifth. How does that happen with most of the same personnel?

“It is one of those things that it is a little bit difficult. I know even talking to Franck Azema in Clermont, champions one year and tenth the next. How does that happen? It’s not apathy, it’s not overconfidence, I’m not sure how you might explain it. But there’s a real forward-thinking about the group.

“Sowhat’shappenedlastyear is certainly last year. Because last year’s results don’t help you win anything this year. In fact, if anything, I think Steve is suggesting it hinders you winning things this year. It certainly puts a target on you.”

British and Irish Lions flanker Sean O’brien has been omitted from Ireland’s squad for tomorrow’s battle with Les Bleus. The 32-year-old Leinster player has paid a hefty price for a below-par showing in Ireland’s patchy 26-16 victory over Italy in Rome, with Josh Van Der Flier starting in his stead at openside.

The fit-again Garry Ringrose starts at outside centre, with Robbie Henshaw still battling a dead leg, while Iain Henderson returns after finger trouble at lock and CJ Stander at No 8.