SPORTS press conferences can often be dull affairs. Rambling coaches and players can lead to hours of typing, trying to avoid obvious clichés and wondering is there more in between the lines than in the quote lines themselves. This week, the Ireland rugby team prepared for their upcoming Six Nations campaign in Limerick. The press conference held on Tuesday was far from dull.
Kidney the Lion
Ireland coach Declan Kidney was in great form for one. The Grand Slam winning coach was glad to be back in action with Ireland. (The Irish Wolfhounds play the England Saxons this Saturday) The Heineken Cup performance of the Irish provinces had made for a happy camp ahead of Sunday week’s clash with Warren Gatland’s Wales. Kidney quipped, “Irish Rugby must be getting a few things right”.
They are indeed. The Corkman also informed the assembled media that he has received a phone call in relation to the Lions Head Coaching role for their 2013 tour to Australia.
“I got a phone call about it, so I just said ‘yeah’,” admitted Kidney. Quickly followed by “Anyone would be interested in going on the Lions but that’s it. I’m more interested in beating Wales in two weeks’ time. That’s the only thing I’m thinking about.”
In a press conference that kept on giving, Kidney also confirmed that Gert Smal, Ireland’s forwards coach and long time SpringBok target, will remain with Ireland for the duration of his contract.
“Gert’s that type of man, you’d be speaking to him from the very start. No, Gert will be with us. Gert’s contract goes to June 12 months, and he’ll be with us for at least the duration of that contract.”
Squad Breakdown
Kidney will name a 30 man squad next week for the opening two games of the Six Nations. The Irish Wolfhound squad lost Luke Fitzgerald this week, who was replaced by Simon Zebo. The full squad lost Leo Cullen for six to eight weeks with an Achilles injury. The Leinster talisman was replaced in Declan’s 24 man squad by James Coughlan, who impressed in Munster’s win over Northampton Saints.
ROG
One man, smiling from ear to ear at the press conference was Munster’s Ronan O’Gara. The legendary out half is playing some of the best rugby of his career. When the Irish international sat down to speak with PostSport, he was still buoyant from the Red Army’s magnificent six wins from six in the Heineken Cup.
“It was hugely satisfying win for us. It’s just a signal to show the huge work we have been putting in. Ever since round one of the Heineken Cup we have been on the ropes, but we managed the win and that is the most important part. That win in round one gave us a great lift. The coaches have been drilling into us that we need to keep our standards up and to keep looking at your own game and see where you can improve,” stated the out half.
“Lads have gone away and worked really hard and we have trained hard as a team. For five games in the pools we probably struggled. We huffed and we puffed. Paulie addressed it early in the week of the game. He wanted a proper Munster performance and he wanted a win and the team delivered for him,” continued Ireland’s preferred number 10 at the last World Cup.
International Rugby
With the Irish provinces being so successful over recent years, O’Gara fears that fans are missing the jump in standard that international rugby really is.
“That is exactly what Munster and Leinster have done. They are at the top of the tree in terms of European Rugby. The mistake people make sometimes though is that they think it can be translated straight into a Six Nations. It’s not translated because international rugby is a different game. It’s a different standard. People don’t understand that. The Heineken Cup is a club competition and some of the people you are playing are of club standard. While at international level it is the best players in the country no matter how big or small the country is. The best players get picked. There is so less time on the ball. There is so less space. It is more physical than the Heineken Cup. The ability of every player is of an international standard otherwise they would never get picked. I think it is an important point to make. Sometimes you could have an inexperienced club player playing in the Heineken Cup, but that doesn’t happen at international level.
New Captain
With Brian O’Driscoll out for the Six Nations. Ireland have appointed Munster Captain and O’Gara’s best mate, Paul O’Connell as captain. A promotion O’Gara agrees with.
“People will talk about Munster’s performance last week. Munster’s performance was lead by Paulie during the week. He is so important in addressing the team. He knew what was needed from us and his words hit the nail on the head. To be part of that dressing room all week was something special and exciting. He had us at fever pitch. I think that is what is great about sport. When you produce the goods, like we did on Saturday, it gives you a huge satisfaction. The days when it all clicks. There will be days when you are wondering why do I put all of this effort and hard work in? It is worth it all just to see the smile on Paul’s face after the game.
Drop Goal
O’Gara did not need to drop a goal to win the game last weekend against Northampton. Having done so twice already this season. The Irish out half though thinks this is a good this.
“I think there might be one stored there for later on in the season.”
Munster and Ireland fans hope so.
