THOUGH JOE SCHMIDT sometimes claims to be unaware of what is being said about him and his Ireland team by the public, one senses that the past few days and weeks stung a little bit.
Schmidt’s selection calls before today’s 58-15 victory over Italy in Dublin were met with widespread criticism, with a particular focus on the exclusion of Stuart McCloskey and the decision not to move Jared Payne to fullback.
Indeed, there was a degree of anger in some quarters about the inclusion of Fergus McFadden on the bench.
“I know that people question decisions I might make, or the way we might play, but I guarantee I question it more,” said Schmidt after Ireland’s comprehensive win in Dublin.
I’m always trying to think how we can best utilise the resources we have to best exert pressure on the opponents we have.
“That’s the challenge for coaches, also to keep things fresh, to challenge players. When you’ve got a squad of 32 in camp, you’ve got 32 individuals that you’ve got to make sure are as collective as they can be and show all those things.
“Those are questions you ask yourself and I rely a huge amount on the leadership group, the players with the experience to give a bit of feedback, even on some of the other players and how they’re fitting in, because they speak to them more often than I do.
“I don’t want to intimidate players or annoy them by speaking to them too often, so it’s always something that you’re looking back at, trying to reflect on and trying to raise the bar if you can.”
There are more big selection calls to be made in the coming days as Ireland turn their attention immediately to Scotland in next weekend’s final round after running nine tries past a weak Italian outfit.
Rob Kearney, Cian Healy and Eoin Reddan are all likely to be back in contention, meaning Schmidt will have a number of calls to make.
Simon Zebo looks deserving of another chance in the 15 shirt, while Ultan Dillane is pushing for a first start and Kieran Marmion would benefit from another outing off the bench at least.
Whatever way Schmidt goes with his matchday 23 this time, there is sure to be passionate debate once again. The Scots take on France tomorrow afternoon in their fourth clash of the championship, and Schmidt will be an interested observer.
His relationship with the Scots’ head coach, Vern Cotter, remains strong, though Schmidt believes his old boss may have a complaint or two to make about his side’s relatively short turnaround before visiting Dublin next Saturday.
“It’s definitely an advantage, it’s always difficult with a six-day turnaround particularly if you’re waiting for guys to recover from injury,” said Schmidt of his side’s extra recovery day.
“For us to get that extra 24 hours is an advantage, it’s something that we have to maximise and make sure the players can recover as quick as they can and that we make the most of our training week.
“I know in the six-day turnaround we had when we had to go to France, we were still contending with injuries and those things become difficult to work with. I’ve no doubt that VC [Cotter] has something lined up.”
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