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"Slipshod stuff that we cannot afford to repeat" - Schmidt

By Rob Lancaster

Joe Schmidt felt a “vociferous” Dublin crowd played its part in helping Ireland see off Wales and make it three wins from three in this year’s Six Nations.

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Injury-hit Ireland scored five tries in a 37-27 triumph at the Aviva Stadium but were forced to hold their nerve in a dramatic conclusion to what was a see-saw Test match.

Steff Evans touched down for a Wales try in the closing stages and with Leigh Halfpenny adding the conversion, the visitors suddenly trailed by just three points with as many minutes to play.

However, Jacob Stockdale secured victory with a late breakaway score, his second of the contest, much to the relief of his head coach.

“There was so much quality about what we delivered, and then just some slipshod stuff that we cannot afford to repeat,” Schmidt told ITV Sport.

“We will go back and have a look at it, but at the same time there are some things we are very happy with.

“One of those is the support we got from the home crowd. In two weeks we play Scotland here; if we can get that same kind of vociferous support from the crowd, it certainly helps steel the defence and keep our resolve.”

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Wales nearly benefited from a rare off day for Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton, as the usually reliable kicker missed two penalties and a pair of conversion attempts.

Schmidt, however, praised the fly-half for his display in open play, singling out his ability to make the team tick in attack.

“Johnny was obviously an angry man. He carried the ball very aggressively, which was fantastic,” he added.

“He almost went up the short side prior the fourth try, which isn’t in his normal character, but he also brought guys into the game.

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“The timing of the pass to Rob Kearney to get through the line for that (fourth) try was fantastic, and his game sense allows him to contribute as much as he does.”

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Trevor 10 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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