Ireland’s stars are banking on the value of their series win in New Zealand last year ahead of Saturday’s titanic quarter-final at the Stade de France — but injuries could yet have a big influence on Irish plans amid a potential crisis in their back-line.
Andy Farrell led a history-making tour to New Zealand in July 2022, with his team rebounding from losing the first Test to win the next two and claim their first victories on Kiwi soil. The Irish party also played two matches against the Maori All Blacks, with the gruelling schedule designed to mirror intense challenges of a World Cup.
And they are now counting on that experience ahead of what will be a momentous night in Paris.
‘It’s not just about the opponents, it’s more about the actual week, those kinds of weeks where you have to win,’ said lock Tadhg Beirne. ‘We lost the first Test and we knew going into the second Test that we had to win or the tour was over.
‘That’s what will stand to us, the pressure of those things. We’ll relish this week and we’ll look forward to the challenge ahead.
Tadhg Beirne says the experience of winning in New Zealand will help in next week’s clash
Andy Farrell’s plans for Ireland in Paris may change amid a potential crisis in their back-line
‘You’ve seen how much New Zealand have grown as the competition has gone on, and I’m sure they’ll be pretty excited to play us, considering last time out we came away with that series win.’
While Ireland were irresistible in trouncing a sorry Scotland 36-14 on Saturday, the medical concerns are mounting.
There was no update from within the camp yesterday, with suggestions that it could take 48 hours for a full assessment of the walking wounded.
With Robbie Henshaw’s status to be confirmed after he damaged a hamstring last week, there is fresh anxiety about James Ryan (wrist), Mack Hansen (calf) and, late last night, Keith Earls (hamstring).
Given Hansen’s importance in both defence and attack, his absence would be sorely felt.
Tadhg Furlong looked in some discomfort as he came off, while James Lowe was poked in the eye by one of his team-mates, but he is expected to be fit.
Ireland defence coach Simon Easterby is adamant they are not the same side defeated in 2019
The involvement of former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt on the New Zealand side as an assistant only thickens the plot, and his insight will be invaluable to their planning. Another element is the 2019 quarter-final when New Zealand humiliated Schmidt’s Ireland, winning 46-14. Ireland defence coach Simon Easterby is adamant they are a different prospect now — and that the painful memories will only inspire them.
‘Those guys who played in 2019 will undoubtedly have gained experience, understanding around different parts of the game, how to approach games, and how to adapt during games,’ said Easterby.
‘But also the fresh blood that has come in after 2019 has had unbelievable experiences over the last couple of years.
‘I guess part of what Faz (Farrell) wanted to do was stress the players over the last couple of years, put them in those situations, so they’ve got that experience, that bank of understanding when it comes to these games and there’s no bigger than playing New Zealand in a quarter-final.’
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Mail Online
