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A lack of tactical variation, a lack of mental support and underestimating humidity are three suggestions being thrown about by the Irish camp this week.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50398477
I don't think these are on the ball at all, although I haven't read the full report. If a daft Scotsman who has never set foot in Japan was banging on about humidity in September and how it can disproportionately impact on olded players then I cant see how the IRFU could have overlooked it. It smells of throwing Schmidt under the bus a bit and I think is a misdiagnosis. If they had said that the Schmidt tactics of high intensity multi-phase forward pick and go was ill suited to conditions to Japan I think it would have been more valid. Thats one of my explanation, but others include.
- failure to adequately explore options aged 25-30 at key positions like hooker and fullback
- 2nd best fly half exiled by union, contributing to loss against Japan and tougher draw in QFs
- mental reaction to Schmidts personal situation and announcement of his departure (not a criticism this one)
- declining defensive performances throughout 2019
- a bit too much loyalty overall to the stalwarts, regardless of form or fitness, not exploiting the clear depth in Irish rugby
- underestimating the ability of the Japanese pack (I was guilty of that myself)
- a general lack of (positive) aggression and intensity (maybe that fits in with the mental support?)
I don't see that a wee bit of tactical variation was the clear key to Ireland progressing further. I think Best is closer to the truth in suggesting you can look for answers all you want, but sport is sport and frankly who knows!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50398477
I don't think these are on the ball at all, although I haven't read the full report. If a daft Scotsman who has never set foot in Japan was banging on about humidity in September and how it can disproportionately impact on olded players then I cant see how the IRFU could have overlooked it. It smells of throwing Schmidt under the bus a bit and I think is a misdiagnosis. If they had said that the Schmidt tactics of high intensity multi-phase forward pick and go was ill suited to conditions to Japan I think it would have been more valid. Thats one of my explanation, but others include.
- failure to adequately explore options aged 25-30 at key positions like hooker and fullback
- 2nd best fly half exiled by union, contributing to loss against Japan and tougher draw in QFs
- mental reaction to Schmidts personal situation and announcement of his departure (not a criticism this one)
- declining defensive performances throughout 2019
- a bit too much loyalty overall to the stalwarts, regardless of form or fitness, not exploiting the clear depth in Irish rugby
- underestimating the ability of the Japanese pack (I was guilty of that myself)
- a general lack of (positive) aggression and intensity (maybe that fits in with the mental support?)
I don't see that a wee bit of tactical variation was the clear key to Ireland progressing further. I think Best is closer to the truth in suggesting you can look for answers all you want, but sport is sport and frankly who knows!