The gap is closing between Northern and Southern hemisphere in rugby

Despite the successful year for Irish and northern hemisphere rugby, New Zealand are still the team everyone in international rugby has to find a way to beat.

THE GAP IS CLOSING BUT SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE IS STILL KING

And so, with another international rugby season coming to its conclusion, the moment is nigh to analyse the current state of northern hemisphere rugby.

With next season’s eagerly awaited World Cup now only just over a year away, it seems appropriate to reflect on the current state of European rugby in comparison to its esteemed counterparts from south of the equator.

Were Irish rugby to conduct its own state of the Union address, therefore, it would surely be immensely satisfied with a season that has delivered emphatically on all fronts.

 

Ireland

Following a successful summer tour that yielded the men in green’s maiden Test series win in Argentina, coach Joe Schmidt can be supremely proud of the manner in which he has turned Irish fortunes around.

When Declan Kidney vacated the head coach’s hot-seat at the denouement of last season’s Six Nations, Irish rugby was in a fairly fragile state. Despite the undoubted talent evident within the squad, the overriding narrative since 2009’s Grand Slam had been one of frustrating under-achievement.

The manner in which Ireland’s Kiwi coach has affected such a comprehensive renewal has been monumentally impressive.

Somehow I doubt even Schmidt himself would have expected his debut season as national supremo to go so swimmingly well.

Six Nations

To have delivered a Six Nations title, the aforementioned victory over the Pumas; not to mention an agonising near miss against the world champion All Blacks, is a quite breath-taking achievement for the self-effacing New Zealander.

 

Ireland Head coach Joe Schmidt
© www.Inpho.ie

With tangible silverware having been accumulated in less than twelve months in the head coach role, the wily Schmidt can now turn his attention to the developing exigencies of Ireland’s 2015 World Cup campaign.

In fact, Ireland’s coach will have learned a great deal from both his successful first season as coach, and the Argentinian tour. The first lesson relates to the established performers in his side.

Outstanding

Winger Andrew Trimble was absolutely outstanding on the tour.

The Ulsterman really has been a sensation this season, and thoroughly deserves his extended, if somewhat belated, run as a first choice player.

Exceptional throughout the Six Nations, Trimble continued his try-scoring form during the summer tour; and looked exceedingly sharp considering he was at the end of a long and punishing season.

Kearney and Sexton

Similarly, Rob Kearney affirmed yet again that in the post-O’Driscoll era, he is probably the most important figure in the Irish backline in terms of leadership and experience.

The former Leinster fly-half has become the tactical heartbeat of his side, and is integral to Ireland’s prospects

What is more, Schmidt will be equally certain that Jonny Sexton remains the only viable contender for the pivotal fly-half position; although he will be fairly pleased with Ian Madigan’s cameo performance in the second Test.

Outside of the established inner circle, performances were something of a mixed bag. Simon Zebo showed that whilst he remains an exceptional talent, the Munster man still has some work to do to replicate the sublime form he was in before injury yet again cruelly interrupted his season.

It was heartening, though, to see young Kieran Marmion make such an impressive debut in the green shirt.

It was also pleasing to see the talented loose head, Jack McGrath secure a start in the opening Test against the seasoned scrummagers of Argentina.

It is apparent that Ireland now has a plethora of immensely talented youngsters to supplement the veteran spine of the side.

As the emerald isle starts to commence its preparations for next year’s showpiece event, a palpable feeling of optimism is currently apparent within Irish rugby.

Happy

As he reflects on his first season in charge, Joe Schmidt can be more than happy with the job he’s done in transforming a misfiring Irish team.

As we approach another World Cup, there is little doubt that Irish rugby is in rude health under his intelligent stewardship.

But we have also learned this summer that the rest of the world is still playing catch up. New Zealand are still the team everyone in international rugby has to find a way to beat.

Rory McGimpsey is a freelance writer. Twitter: @RoryMcGimpsey

Article source: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/rugby-league-whiting-given-testimonial-163903765.html

The gap is closing between Northern and Southern hemisphere in rugby