Narrow defence, a lack of penetration and a shaky lineout were the theme of the day for Ireland.
The most glaringly obvious and disappointing aspect of this Ireland performance was the narrow defence. Like Argentina, Scotland played a brand of rugby thsat exposed the lack of pace and power in the Irish back three.
There were times in the first half when Scotland had huge overlaps but didn’t utilise them. When Scotland look back at the highlights they will be pretty disappointed to not have capitalised on the overlaps they created. Garry Ringrose, a hugely talented player I rate highly, has to take some of the blame on this account – Scotland got around the 13 channel with ease. Ringrose wasn’t helped by Rob Kearney either, whose positioning was very questionable.
Ireland’s back three were pedestrian in comparison with their Scottish counterparts. It was incredible how many times Rob Kearney ran straight, predictable lines from Scottish kicks. In contrast, Stuart Hogg varied his kick returns with good passes and footwork.
Ireland will remain at the same level if they keep playing the same players, but they could take their game to the next level if they had a truly threatening back three. Adam Byrne and Jacob Stockdale would add to the Ireland’s attacking game without detracting from the kick-chase game.
It’s very hard to win a game without a functioning lineout – and given the sheer height of Devin Toner, it is amazing how many times he gets beaten. Rory Best won’t have done himself any favours with regards to Lions selection with that lineout performance. The Irish lineout desperately needs another option in the back row, and for this reason it is likely that one of either Jamie Heaslip or CJ Stander will be dropped for Peter O’Mahony.
This Irish team did not become a bad team overnight; however, it does need an injection of pace and power to rectify these issues. Taking into account the squad named by Joe Schmidt, I would name the following team for Italy.
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Donnacha Ryan
5. Iain Henderson
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Sean O’Brien
8. CJ Stander
9. Conor Murray
10. Paddy Jackson
11. Simon Zebo
12. Robbie Henshaw
13. Luke Marshall
14. Keith Earls
15. Tiernan O’Halloran
16. Niall Scannell
17. Cian Healy
18. John Ryan
19. Ultan Dillane
20. Jack Conan
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Ian Keatley/Jonathan Sexton
23. Garry Ringrose
sully
Roar Rookie
Would have to disagree about starting Luke Marshall he has been very average for Ulster. Henshaw and Ringrose will be Ireland's mid field come the World Cup, so it's key they develop at this level Ringrose in particular, who has alot of defensive stuff to learn. Personally I think Rory Scannell and Henshaw would be our best mid field, they could be a very good balance
Colm
Roar Guru
We all know the real reason why Leinster's line-out is good. Munster felt sorry for Leinster and sent Sean Cronin up to them.? A back row of Sean O'Brien, Cj Stander and Peter O'Mahony could have the perfect balance.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Schmidt's attacking policy is very different to those adopted at Leinster and Connacht! 'No offloads' for a start :)
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
I'd be surprised if there are many changes, if any at all. Toner has been running the best lineout in the ECC this season for Leinster, so the likeliest change is Peter O'Mahony at 6 with Stander moving across to 8. Most of the problems seemed to occur on defence.
Daire Thornton
Guest
I dont think any of those guys are vastly superior in the loose. Dillane and Henderson possibly however, Henderson isnt a great lineout operator. Toner has very good hands and a decent off loader. His tackle count and work rate in general tends to be very high. Id say he is one of Ireland's more under rated players. the lineout is an issue but I do think it will improve a lot when Ryan comes back or even POM.
Colm
Roar Guru
Completely agree, Bruce. Considering the style of play of the Irish sides at club level it quite surprising that Ireland don't pick a more attacking line-up.
Colm
Roar Guru
Maybe I was a bit a harsh on Toner, Daire. In fairness, he did lose four line-outs in the clips. I just think if he isn't winning all his line-outs, he should be under serious pressure. Ultan Dillane, Iain Henderson, Donnacha Ryan and Quinn Roux are vastly superior in the loose.
bruce bridges
Roar Rookie
Ireland do score tries but generally after the forwards have battered their way over the line the Irish pack is as impressive as the backs are meh.
Daire Thornton
Guest
Ireland's backs arent that threatening at the moment but some of the more attacking minded ones like Garry Ringrose are quite inexperienced so this may change with time. In all fairness though Ireland do still score their fair share of tries. The loss against the ABs in the second test was still a lesser points differential than any team in the rugby championship managed earlier in the year. All SH teams lost to NZ by 19 points or more so against the best team in the world a 12 point loss isnt a disaster.
bruce bridges
Roar Rookie
Would never say this in North Hemisphere blog but Ireland have a tough well drilled back and backs who just aren't that threatening. If they had any potency in the backs then they would probably have beat NZ in the second match given there territory and possession but they just kept battering away with the big forwards and NZ where happy to soak it up.
bert
Guest
Not only would I have O'Mahoney at 6 for Ireland, he would be my 6 for the Lions. Walk up start
Daire Thornton
Guest
"It’s very hard to win a game without a functioning lineout – and given the sheer height of Devin Toner, it is amazing how many times he gets beaten." Generally its not Toner that gets beaten. Our lineout more often than not fails when the ball goes to the other lineout options. See review of last years six nations lineout failures: http://www.planetrugby.com/news/analysis-irelands-deteriorating-lineout/
Daire Thornton
Guest
Peter O'Mahoney was injured for the Scotland game. He possibly wouldn't have been picked anyway as Stander has been in fine form and they both play at 6.
Akari
Guest
I am more than happy to keep Ringrose now that Ireland will be facing Italy.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Ireland will tour Australia 2018. Three test series. Should be great!
Colm
Roar Guru
Hi Akari, I hope the same guys advising you aren't in your Fantasy league?!?!?! It's a dog eat dog world on Fantasy Rugby. Personally, I would go with other options ahead of Ringrose. Schmidt though, has said to the media that he won't make too many changes to the team. Keep him in the team- If he doesn't start he will come off the bench and against tiring Italian defenders, could score a few tries.
Colm
Roar Guru
A sound viewpoint, I would still like to see Ireland tour Australia. I suspect your lads would come out on top, but Australia is a beautiful country and I can't think of a thing I'd rather do in June.
Colm
Roar Guru
Agree Bert, imo he is the most complete of our backrowers. He has huge physicality at the breakdown, world -class at the line-out and a really good lhands to act as a inkman between the forwards and backs. Apparently he has only just returned from injury.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Valid point Fionn. But I would extend it. All the teams from 3-9 are able to beat each other on any given day. And there is no daylight between England and the chasing pack.
Akari
Guest
Damn it, Colm - I now have the dilemma of either removing or keeping Garry Ringrose in my Fantasy team. He made the team on the basis of 'advice' from Roarers that ought to know his game as I don't know enough about NH rugby players. He must be good to make the run-on team on the weekend. I guess I'll wait and see if Schmidt will keep him in the run on team in the next game.