KICK-OFF MAY not be until 3pm tomorrow afternoon, but the battle has already begun.
Ireland forwards coach John Plumtree smiled off the suggestion that Scotland had been looking to irritate the home team by running over their allotted time on the Aviva pitch this morning. That meant a slight delay to Ireland’s own team run, but the New Zealander claimed he hadn’t even noticed.
Instead, the former Natal Sharks head coach is flooded with excitement for his first direct involvement in a Six Nations clash. Plumtree has begun to appreciate how special Europe’s marquee international tournament really is.
“It’s been a long time since our last performance, so it’s good to be here. I think it’s something like 12 weeks, it’s been ages. It’s just good to get back into it.
I’ve read a few articles and different people have been talking about the Six Nations. The travelling spectators hype it up probably more than what happens in Super Rugby and other Test match rugby in the Southern Hemisphere. Yeah, I’m looking forward to the vibe tomorrow and the intensity of the occasion. I’m sure we’ll match that vibe.”
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Blindside flanker Peter O’Mahony says Ireland’s team run had been a continuation of the previous two weeks’ positive work. The Munster captain feels Joe Schmidt’s squad are in a good place ahead of their opening move tomorrow afternoon.
“Obviously the provinces are going well and there is a good buzz coming into camp. Guys are looking forward to getting back into the jersey, and whatever way you look at it, we’re coming off the back of a loss.
“We’re hurting after that and especially coming back to the Aviva, coming back home, you want to put that right with another win under our belt.”
Plumtree cites the forwards’ efforts against Scotland as “especially” important, something O’Mahony echoes willingly. However the result comes about, starting their Six Nations quest with anything but a victory would be disastrous for Ireland.
We’re looking to get a win at home tomorrow, it’s vitally important for us to build momentum into the rest of the games. It is a little more comfortable that it’s at home in the Aviva but I don’t think it makes our challenge any smaller. Scotland are a good side and we’re going to have to perform.”
Playing on Sunday means O’Mahony and his teammates will have the opportunity to observe their title rivals in action today, allowing them to further understand the tasks that await in the coming seven weeks. Still, the immediate focus is on tomorrow afternoon and Scotland.
“We’ll watch the rugby. There’s nothing we can do about those games. We’ve to worry about ourselves and getting ourselves right for kick off tomorrow.
“I don’t think we’re going to do anything different today than we would on a Friday before a Saturday game. Just because there’s rugby today, it won’t affect any of our prep.”
O'Mahony: 'Whatever way you look at it, we're coming off the back of a loss'
KICK-OFF MAY not be until 3pm tomorrow afternoon, but the battle has already begun.
Ireland forwards coach John Plumtree smiled off the suggestion that Scotland had been looking to irritate the home team by running over their allotted time on the Aviva pitch this morning. That meant a slight delay to Ireland’s own team run, but the New Zealander claimed he hadn’t even noticed.
Instead, the former Natal Sharks head coach is flooded with excitement for his first direct involvement in a Six Nations clash. Plumtree has begun to appreciate how special Europe’s marquee international tournament really is.
“It’s been a long time since our last performance, so it’s good to be here. I think it’s something like 12 weeks, it’s been ages. It’s just good to get back into it.
Blindside flanker Peter O’Mahony says Ireland’s team run had been a continuation of the previous two weeks’ positive work. The Munster captain feels Joe Schmidt’s squad are in a good place ahead of their opening move tomorrow afternoon.
“Obviously the provinces are going well and there is a good buzz coming into camp. Guys are looking forward to getting back into the jersey, and whatever way you look at it, we’re coming off the back of a loss.
O’Mahony will be a key part if Ireland’s back row tussle with Scotland. ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan.
“We’re hurting after that and especially coming back to the Aviva, coming back home, you want to put that right with another win under our belt.”
Plumtree cites the forwards’ efforts against Scotland as “especially” important, something O’Mahony echoes willingly. However the result comes about, starting their Six Nations quest with anything but a victory would be disastrous for Ireland.
Playing on Sunday means O’Mahony and his teammates will have the opportunity to observe their title rivals in action today, allowing them to further understand the tasks that await in the coming seven weeks. Still, the immediate focus is on tomorrow afternoon and Scotland.
“We’ll watch the rugby. There’s nothing we can do about those games. We’ve to worry about ourselves and getting ourselves right for kick off tomorrow.
“I don’t think we’re going to do anything different today than we would on a Friday before a Saturday game. Just because there’s rugby today, it won’t affect any of our prep.”
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