Advertisement
©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
IRFU

Opinion: Schmidt installment just 1 of the changes needed in Irish Rugby

He’s the right man for the job, no question. But what about the other job?

IT’S THE NEWS that everybody wanted to hear. Joe Schmidt is the new head coach of Ireland.

A man with an almost flawless track record, one win away from bringing a third European trophy to Leinster in as many years.

The fact that he has achieved almost everything (his dream double of a Pro12 title eluded him twice already) in such a short time, the flowing style he has brought to these shores and that underneath it all he seems to be a bloody good bloke; gives this day an even heavier dab of giddy excitement than usual.

However, behind the balloons and cake that welcome our all-conquering hero lies the stuffy old backroom remains full of blazers, brandy and cigars.

There can be no argument that Schmidt is the right choice, but there lingers a feeling that not much has changed.

The three-year contract puts us firmly back into the situation where a disappointing end to the World Cup will give rise to third consecutive coach limping into the following Six Nations. Obviously, the aim is to succeed in 2015 and we’re not out to rain on the parade,  but it’s clear that mistakes of 2007 and 2011 remain ignored.

‘The next number of months’

Most concerning of all; the long talked-about position of Performance Director could and should have been filled along with the new coach. At today’s announcement CEO Philip Browne mentioned the position, so it has not completely been swept under the carpet, but  only to head off questions by saying it would be coming in ‘the next number of months’.

Now, perhaps (hopefully) we’ve got it all wrong and the ‘number’ is much smaller than we fear. Maybe the end of the Super Rugby or November internationals will bring an experienced and innovative rugby mind to Lansdowne Road where he will form an instant understanding and working relationship with Schmidt for the betterment of our game. Sadly, cynicism has the better of me.

Until then it seems,wee Joe, like Deccie before him, will have to bring his new green cap in hand to the National Team Review Group explaining this that and the other decision to the Union’s brains trust.

Schmidt spoke in no uncertain terms today when he sympathised with Declan Kidney. Most of the injuries which befell his predecessor at the lowest ebb were the same ones that inflicted Schmidt with his worst run of form at Leinster.

He will hope that more than luck changes after he takes over the reigns from Les Kiss.

O’Connell and O’Driscoll vital for Irish success – Joe Schmidt

Schmidt hoping to make most of ‘suffocating’ international windows

Your Voice
Readers Comments
2
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.