DECLAN KIDNEY BLAMED Ireland’s inability to adjust to the bad weather conditions coupled with the relentless pressure put on them by England as reasons for their disappointing loss in yesterday’s Six Nations encounter at the Aviva Stadium.
Speaking in the aftermath of the defeat, he said:
“We were probably guilty of trying to play during a pressure game, but I’ll never knock fellas for trying.
“When you try to be positive, that’s what happens in those conditions – the other way is to try and drill right through them, which we did on a number of occasions.
“We never managed to get that foothold inside the 22, to get that elusive try, because that would have made all the difference and forced them to come out and play.”
He continued: “We weren’t really in danger of conceding a try, but when we were in their half, we coughed up a few balls too easily.“They managed to kick six points. In the third quarter, our contestables were better, but then they went six points ahead again
“Once we have ourselves right, we’ll be in a good place against anyone, but those sort of turnovers… It’s the damage we do to ourselves and that’s something we need to continually work on.”
Speaking in relation to the injuries suffered by Irish players, Kidney acknowledged that the situation looked “more serious” than last week and confirmed that Jonny Sexton (hamstring), Simon Zebo (foot), Sean O’Brien (hamstring), Mike McCarthy (knee), Brian O’Driscoll (ankle), Rob Kearney (dead leg) and Donnacha Ryan (back) had all taken knocks, but said that Zebo was the only one who’d definitely miss the next game.
In relation to his star out-half, however, he added: “He looks to have given his hamstring a tear, so it’ll [probably] be a couple of weeks, but it’d be wrong for me to try and second guess.”
And despite the disappointing manner of the loss, Kidney was determined to point out the positive aspects of the performance, emphasising that England still have to play France and Wales, and saying:
“Defensively, we didn’t concede any try. England conceded more penalties, but we conceded them within shot-on-goal range. We need to learn to cope with that bit of pressure, and it’s basically how they beat us.
“In terms of attack, our shape was good. Our execution was what let us down, so there’s no need to go back to the drawing board.“There’s a learning for lads in terms of weather conditions, but they’re only add-ons to what we have.”
Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip echoed much of what his coach said, blaming “knock-ons and unforced errors” for their below-par display, and adding:
“They put us under pressure at the ruck and their line speed was very good, because they could down the ball well at the ruck at times.”
In addition, Heaslip denied that the Irish team had underestimated their opponents in any way, saying:
“I know all too well about their capabilities.
“They were very clinical and played a pressure game. I thought we had momentum at 6-6, but we just didn’t take our chances.”
In contrast with Kidney, England boss Stuart Lancaster was very happy with his side’s performance.
“Both sides would have preferred a dry game, but the conditions ensured it was always going to be tight,” he said.
“To come here with a young side and to show that kind of maturity to close out the game was hugely pleasing.“There were some key moments during the game – particularly, for us, the way we managed the sin-binning and towards the end, we grew in strength.
“We’d come in at half-time, pleased with the first half. But at the start of the second half, Ireland were in the ascendancy.”
Lancaster said the game was “right up there” in terms of his achievements so far as England coach, and highlighted some of the aspects of the performance that satisfied him the most.
“Our technical discipline was good. We gave a few more penalties away this week than last, but given the conditions, we were pleased.
“It’s a very difficult place to come and play rugby against a side as good as Ireland with so much experience, and we’ve got lads who are on single figures, in terms of caps.”
