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26th November 2016
10:46pm GMT

"I think Simon Zebo said it was the creche out here. He was the old guy looking after the kids running around. I think it’s probably reflective of his much control he has as a dad because the kids were all over the place! "Kieran Marmion on the wing," Schmidt continued before pausing for effect. "His impact tackle on David Pocock to dislodge the ball forward was phenomenal. "I thought Joey Carbery did a great job," he added. "Garry Ringrose again stepped up. And it wasn’t perfect but you probably can’t expect perfection when those young guys step up or attempt to."
Schmidt, though, did not forget the contribution of the pack nor the subs. Their indefatigable performances wouldn't let him. He said:
"I think we managed to get the edge because the boys up front did a great job. I thought the front-row, obviously Besty playing his 100th cap, it’s incredibly special for him but I think it was probably made more special by the occasion. "Tadhg Furlong continues to grow into the position. Jack McGrath was again really strong. I thought the front-row that came off the bench were good again. "Pete O’Mahony, it was great to see him out there. You lose a player short of the game, like Sean O’Brien and his replacement gets man of the match. It’s exactly what you’re looking for int he squad. Someone who can step up and Josh van der Flier continues to do it."He could have gone on all night if we let him. Dick Clerkin makes his GAA Hour debut to talk about a wonderful career and argue passionately with Colm Parkinson over Sky Sports GAA. Subscribe here on iTunes.
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