After last week’s star-studded affair in the Ballsbridge Hotel, it’s back to the studio for this week’s Wednesday night rugby.
The upcoming clash between Ireland and Australia dominated this week’s discussion with Irish Times rugby editor Gerry Thornley and Keith Wood, who was this week inducted into Ireland’s Rugby Hall of Fame.
Wood reflected on the many encounters with the Wallabies during his international career, noting their tendency to play a more cerebral game than most:
“I always loved playing Australia. I loved what they got out of their players. I love the manner in which they think their way out of problems.
It isn’t the same intimidating physical pressure that you might have from the other [southern hemisphere teams].”
With the World Cup only a year away, Thornley emphasises the importance of building confidence through strong performances against southern hemisphere teams:
“For this Irish team to back up the game against South Africa... that will really stand to them all the way to the next World Cup.
“They will go into that tournament with a lot more credibility about themselves.”
Speaking about the mood in Carton House, Thornley speaks about the transformation Joe Schmidt has brought:
“ They all speak Joe Schmidt Lingo now. [The coaches] are more exacting and demanding now. The players are more exacting and demanding of themselves now.”
With Rob Kearney and Conor Murray claiming that last week’s victory was not yet the performance the team wants, Ireland will be meticulously planning how to get the most out of their players and tactics against the Aussies.
Both are wary of the dangers that await if Ireland give their opponents too much possession:
“Australia are more likely to make that tell than South Africa,” said Thornley, While Wood added that “if their forwards get any level of parity then they will be absolutely ruthless.”
Both think Ireland are fully capable of a victory this weekend:
“I think Schmidt Ireland and Sexton will find those chinks, and I think there’ll be more tries than the South Africa game,” said Thornley.
Wood says he expects a close game: “I think it will be tight. I am not living in hope. I think we’ll go out, play our own game and win.”
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