In an ideal world Joe Schmidt could select from a full deck of cards for the upcoming Autumn Internationals against South Africa, Georgia and Australia. In reality, a series of unfortunate injuries, fashionable in the modern game, threaten to derail preparation in a World Cup season, but rather than fold, Schmidt must play with the hand he’s been dealt with.
Herein lies the problem: there will be no bluffing on Saturday with the Springboks in town. Cowardice of that kind would have devastating consequences against these conquerors of the All Blacks, so we can expect Ireland to meet that significant challenge head on.
Keeping with recent tradition Ireland will then present a handful of opportunities to fringe players against Georgia in the second of three tests, before facing the Wallabies in what looks like a more realistic game to target at the end of November.
STRENGTHS
Attention to detail was repeatedly stressed over the course of last year as the players adjusted to training camps run by Schmidt and his backroom team. Admittedly many of the Leinster contingent were already familiar with his methods, but it didn’t take long for Schmidt to impress the other half of his squad.
Crucially, the players were left with the impression that if they worked hard, did their homework – just as Schmidt did his – then opportunities would come. Andrew Trimble came from relatively low down the Kidney pecking order to thoroughly deserve his player of the year award under Schmidt. Though Trimble will miss this series, the potential for other fringe players to follow his lead and reap the rewards remains.
While current first choice half-backs don’t have the telepathic understanding that Stringer-O’Gara enjoyed, in Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton Ireland are blessed with one of the strongest and most settled international pairings around. With Sexton given the all clear after an injury scare, and Murray in a rich vein of form, Ireland will look to establish good field position with contestable kicks.
WEAKNESSES
Like a broken record here we are talking about the lack of front-row cover once more. Worst case scenario, Ireland could be without their entire preferred front three for the Springboks if Mike Ross can’t prove his fitness and Rory Best doesn’t overcome a tight calf.
Martin Moore had emerged as the heir apparent to Ross on the tight-head side but his shoulder trouble keeps him out and it’s too soon to risk the promising Tadhg Furlong, so Schmidt is left with a decision to go with Stephen Archer or Rodney Ah You. Neither is equipped to deal with the Springboks prowess up front so it could be damage limitation.
Cian Healy is a huge loss not only in set-piece, but as one of Ireland’s primary ball carriers missing due to injury the pack is short of another player punching holes in defensive lines. Sean O’Brien is another long-term absentee which no side in the world could do without, while Iain Henderson might have been an alternative ball carrier in the pack had he not required hip surgery.
KEY PLAYERS
Jack McGrath
In Healy’s absence McGrath has an opportunity to enhance his reputation. The majority of his 10 caps so far have been as a replacement, and having established himself as one of the most effective back up loose-heads in the northern hemisphere this series offers an excellent chance to take his game to the next level. A strong carrier with an eye for the try line, there is plenty of evidence to suggest he’ll make the grade.
Robbie Henshaw
With the endorsement of who-know-you Joe Schmidt hinted at the weekend that Robbie Henshaw would start in the famous no.13 shirt against the Springboks. Although Jared Payne remains in contention, Henshaw appears to fit the profile that Schmidt prefers in his backline. Both men are solid defensively, but the Connacht youngster’s extra explosiveness looks like swinging the decision in his favour.
WIN/LOSS PREDICTION
A win against Georgia is a given, and Ireland would probably settle for one win from two against the top tier nations. It doesn’t get much tougher than facing the in-form Springboks first, and let’s not forget that as Six Nations champions Ireland represent a scalp for the tourists. It would arguably take a performance similar to that which Ireland produced against the All Blacks last November for Ireland to run them close.
The Australia game, against a side led by a familiar face in Michael Cheika, represents a better opportunity at the end of the series. Still capable of scintillating rugby, the squad appeared to pull together in the adversity of their situation and almost defeated New Zealand, but they could just as easily be vulnerable as their tumultuous season draws to a close. Two wins, one loss.
By David Blair (@viscount_dave)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images