Updated 19.40
JOE SCHMIDT SAT out the post-match press conference of Ireland’s dramatic November Test victory over Australia today.
A spokesman for the IRFU said that the New Zealander had been ill all day with appendicitis.
The Kiwi was treated early today and ’manned up’ to take his position in the stand while Ireland secured a third win from three to make it a clean sweep in the international window.
After the win was secured Schmidt left the Aviva Stadium to undergo further tests.
“He had some pretty bad pain during the day and he toughed out the game – in true Joe quality – but he’s just gone to get assessed to make sure everything’s right with it,” said assistant coach Les Kiss before insisting that Schmidt’s ailment did not change his role.
Captain Paul O’Connell noted that the Kiwi was his usual self, but hadn’t considered it serious judging by the coach’s demeanour.
“Guys were aware he was sick, he was stand-offish for most of the day,” the captain said with Kiss laughing and adding “relatively”.
“I suppose he was worried about passing on something he had. But if we hadn’t been told I don’t think anybody would have known.
“That’s his attitude.”
Originally published 19.11.
Joe is unbelievable. Leading by example.
Paul O’Connell wears Joe Schmidt PJs!
Just when you couldn’t hold that man in a higher regard, You hear about this amazing bravery, obviously filters down from the top.
I heard Joe donated two male pandas to Dublin zoo and got them to mate successfully. ..
Considering our injury list, the question must be asked, strongest squad in the world?
That still lies with the All blacks but we’re probably second for depth with the exception of tight head and 13
Henshaw did well again today but its still very strange seeing someone else wearing THAT shirt
I’d disagree. Joe had no confidence in his subs yesterday. With twenty mins to go i think we had made one change despite a number of sub par performances. I thought cronin, madigan and foley should all have been on much earlier. Equally i’d like to have changed our props when the aussies switcged theirs
The IRFU need to give this man a 5-6 year contract. We can’t lose him. He is brining Irish rugby to a new level.
He should just be given the IRFU. Here Joe just run the whole show until we can’t convince you to stay any longer! He should be given free reign to do what he likes with the structure of the IRFU and the leagues and anything he thinks will improve the game in Ireland. After all he knows irish rugby from the grassroots to the academies, Provinces and the elite international setup, he’s done it all. He is uniquely placed to revolutionise irish rugby for generations. We have to do everything to keep him involved in irish rugby for the long haul.
We are blessed.
Is he the Jim McGuinness of rugby…? Lots of games won against sides who claim they played all the rugby…
You’re right, I don’t know why you got so many thumbs down. Joe plays smart, and that means choosing the right tactics. And for a team like Ireland it means we’re going to have to play without the ball for long periods, but when we get it we must be clinical (which we have been) So of course it’s gonna look like they play more rugby.
Best of luck with the recovery Joe, the whole nation is behind you!
Joe know’s how to get the best out of his players.. None more so than Sexton, and Joe’s instruction and gameplan could be a key reason in Sexton been named IRB player of the year.