JOE SCHMIDT ADMITS it’s ‘always a concern’ to introduce as many new faces and combinations as he’s done for Saturday’s Test against Fiji, but says the challenge will help his players progress.
The Ireland head coach has juggled his resources this week as much to fully explore the depth of his squad as to maintain freshness, and has retained just two players from last week’s win over South Africa.
There is a huge opportunity for the likes of Chris Farrell, on debut, and Andrew Porter, Darren Sweetnam and Rob Herring who will make their first starts at international level but even allowing for the inexperience, Schmidt demands they follow up the benchmark set last week.
“We’re just hoping that these guys try to follow up the benchmark set last week,” he said at this afternoon’s press conference.
“It’s a real challenge for them. There will be some really tough moments and interesting to see how they work their way through it.
“We want to give them a really stern test now to see if that progression can continue under real stress. It’s always a concern, but I can’t fault the application of this group.
“If they can bring that into the game, start well, get early confidence, I’d hope they can acquit themselves really well.
“I’m hoping for variety, that they can link up and play with width, but also be direct when we need to be. A lot of energy defensively, they are well able to dominate the gainline.”
As much as Schmidt admits his concern, the Kiwi stressed there was no temptation to stick with a more experienced side for Saturday’s teatime kick-off against the Pacific islanders.
Dave Kilcoyne, Tommy O’Donnell, Keith Earls, James Ryan and John Ryan were all ruled out of selection through injury, thus reducing Schmidt’s hand somewhat, but even still he has placed faith in an incredibly inexperienced side.
The backline has just 44 caps between them and it says a lot when the bench — including Cian Healy, CJ Stander and Robbie Henshaw — very nearly has as many international appearances as the starting XV.
“It’s not even about a four-year [World Cup] cycle, it’s more about guys working hard and being given an opportunity,” Schmidt continued.
“I said there are no guarantees for a Test jersey, a chance for you to come in, fit in and work your way through to impress us and the players that have been before you.
“Now they have that visible opportunity. There’s no better way to test people than to throw them into the arena. The only problem with a Test is that you’ve are so visible, and any error is very visible, and you’re playing against player who will exploit any weakness.”
In particular, the bruising midfield combo of Chris Farrell and Stuart McCloskey, who will make his first appearance in a green shirt since his debut against England in 2016, is an exciting prospect.
As much as the pair bring a big offloading and direct running game to the Irish midfield, they will be importantly defensively against a dangerous Fijian side which possesses equally destructive ball carriers.
Up front, there are new faces too.
Jack McGrath is recalled and alongside Devin Toner, who is retained from last week, will provide a level of experience in the pack as Porter’s rapid rise continues with a first start in green.
The Leinster prop made his debut during the summer tour of USA and Japan and is named at tighthead as Schmidt looks to fast-track his progress.
“It’s the acid test for Andrew, without a doubt,” he added.
“He’s got good people around him, he’s thoroughly impressed us with his attitude to training.
“He’s a long-term project for the right here and right now suddenly. That’s what makes him of real interest to us on Saturday.
“Hopefully he can impress and get comfortable in what’s an uncomfortable environment.”
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