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Joe Schmidt 'manned up' to guide Ireland past Australia despite appendicitis

Some man.

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.

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