Joe Schmidt: a win in his first game in charge
Ireland will need a “reality check” when reviewing their five-try Samoa victory to have any chance of beating Australia, warned new head coach boss Joe Schmidt.
Two tries from debutant replacement Dave Kearney and further scores from Peter O’Mahony, Fergus McFadden and Sean O’Brien eased the former Leinster coach’s international initiation.
But Schmidt admitted his side must improve out of sight ahead of next weekend’s clash with Australia.
Schmidt said: “We’ll get a reality check when we look at it again: too many line-breaks from the Samoans.
“And we can’t afford to do that against Australia. If they get on top they are extremely dangerous.
“If we open up too many options for them, they will take them. We are very, very aware of the threat Australia pose.
“Our kicking out of the hand wasn’t as good as it could have been at times.
Trouble
“If someone manages to find Israel Folau, or Adam Ashley-Cooper next week, then we will find ourselves in trouble.”
Schmidt confirmed Ulster flanker Chris Henry suffered a minor hamstring strain, leading to his half-time withdrawal.
The Ireland boss said Henry’s progress will be monitored in the next few days, with the hope the issue was caught early enough for it not to develop into a major problem.
Schmidt hailed the contributions of iconic duo Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll – and backed both to step up their injury returns in the coming fortnight.
He continued: “I spoke to Brian after the game and he felt he could have gone the whole 80, but the tank was strating to run dry after 55.
“He was relatively happy to see Ian Madigan heading his way, but he really enjoyed himself.
“It wasn’t vintage Drico but it’s a step towards it. And Paul really enjoyed it, enjoyed stretching his legs. “I thought he brought real value off the bench.”
Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24865350
Joe Schmidt: Ireland need to improve against Australia
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