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‘Look, of course I’m bothered but I’m not worried about it’
By Ian Cameron reporting from Dublin
Head coach Andy Farrell says he is “bothered but not worried” about Ireland’s continued struggles at the lineout, insisting his side will quickly fix what has become a growing concern ahead of meetings with Australia and world champions South Africa.
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Ireland’s 41-10 win over Japan at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday was far from convincing, despite what the scoreboard might suggest.
The first half in particular was again blighted by misfiring lineouts. Hooker Rónan Kelleher failed to find his jumper with three of his first four throws, prompting audible groans from the home crowd before Gus McCarthy came on to steady the ship late on.
Asked about the under-pressure set-piece, Farrell admitted the flaws were frustrating but played down any wider alarm.
“Look, of course I’m bothered but I’m not worried about it,” said the Ireland head coach. “The people that are in charge, coaching-wise, are top drawer, top class.
“The lads who are involved in leading it are top class, as well. What I saw, there was good calling. Some people got their calls wrong. That’s individual stuff. One overthrow. But they didn’t panic and they found a way, in the second half. That was certainly pleasing. Putting Ryan into the second row, and there was a bit of change with Caelan. They found a way.”
Farrell acknowledged that tidying up the lineout — and the side’s performances in general — will be crucial as the level of opposition rises in the next two weekends against Australia and South Africa.
“It’s something we’ve got to be better at with what’s coming,” he said. “Creating a few more opportunities but not finishing them off with the last pass is something else that needs cleaning up. But making the inroads in the first place is pleasing enough.”
Meanwhile, Japan boss Eddie Jones insisted his side could have pulled off a rare win, despite the lopsided scoreline.
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“We put ourselves in a position to win the game in the first half, probably went into half-time with a little bit of momentum, Ireland had Stockdale in the bin.”
“But we didn’t take advantage of the sin bin and then – whether we got disappointed in the game – we just faded badly in the last 30 minutes and gave Ireland a lot of the ball in good positions and they looked good.”