EVER THE OPTIMIST, Ireland manager Paul McNaughton says that his side can shake off the lethargy that resulted in a poor performance against the United States and cause a World Cup upset against Australia at Eden Park next weekend.
Declan Kidney’s men failed to address any of the problems that saw them lose all of their warm-up encounters, in labouring to a 22-10 victory over the US Eagles in their opening Pool C match.
McNaughton, however, feels that if Ireland can click into gear then an improbable victory over the Tri-Nations champions will be achievable.
“The guys have played against Australia before. They know them,” he insisted at a press conference today.
“There’s a level of confidence that on our day, when we play well and fire on all cylinders, we can beat Australia.
“We have the ability and the team to beat Australia. We have to play very well and better than we have done over the last four or five matches. We’ll have to improve on what we did yesterday, but do seem to produce our best when our backs are against the wall.
McNaughton went on to admit that Ireland will be underdogs against the Wallabies but that could prove beneficial to his side, the oldest in the tournament.
“We’ll have to improve on what we did yesterday, but do seem to produce our best when our backs are against the wall.
“Underdogs is not a position we’d go looking for. We’re clearly underdogs based on the record over the last few games, but that doesn’t worry us.”
One of the biggest problems for this Irish team can be seen at the time the anthems are playing. Ireland’s Call does not inspire any emotions in half the team in fact it seems that some are disgusted at it while it is sung / played. Ireland’s anthem is Amhrán na bhFiann and should be played at Irish rugby matches. Of course people will say this has nothing to do with play on the pitch but look at New Zealand’s Haka, the players take that attitude into games. If Ireland continue to play like they did against the USA, Italy will beat us. Also the question has to be asked will Darcy get the same treatment as Stringer got in 2007 for his “try awarding” pass, the closest thing to an own goal in rugby that you can get? There is from what can be seen on the outside disunity in the camp.
Irelandâs anthem is Amhrán na bhFiann and should be played at Irish rugby matches
This is the usual uniformed hysteria that now unfortunately pervades coverage of Irish rugby. This is an Irish rugby team, not the Republic of Ireland-the national anthem is played at homes games and from my experience of attending practically every home game, this does not result in enhanced performances. On what basis is your assertion that there is “disunity in the camp”-whilst the US match was disappointing in that they left an additional 30 points behind, there is sufficient evidence to point towards improved displays. the pack were competent in their set piece, however the lack of penetration form the backs does need to be addressed. Ppatience is required in the build up, going though the phases and not forcing the passes. better reading of the oppositions approach to the break down also requires attention and this is where leadership during a match comes into the equation. We are looking at possibly 5 to 6 changes for the Australia match and with POC returning to his best along with SF, the addition of SOB, and CH will only strengthen the pack. I am very confident of coming out of the group and thereafter its cup rugby.
Irish supporters should get real.Ireland are not going to achieve anything in this competition, the players aren’t good enough. We don’t have one world class player (O Driscoll & O Connell were but not any more). My own view is it’s very likely that Italy will beat us and that we will lose comprehensively to the Aussies. Yesterday’s display was abysmal and I feel sorry for supporters who have spent lots of money on the trip to NZ.
Don’t write us off, RWC’s become far less expansive in the knock out stages which could suit us. Our defence is still quality while the scrum will hold up through the rest of the group games. SA weren’t great against Wales so a semi final spot is still achievable. Give the negativity a rest, leave it to Hook & Co.
Drop Sexton, Darcy , bring on OGara and McFadden. OBrien on and Jennings off.Flannery in for Best
O’Brien on for Jennings when you’ve got Pocock at 7 for Oz? You don’t know your rugby mate
Head in hands after 20 minutes. “Should have been 12-0 to O’Gara.
Elrat – absolutely!