Something needs to give.
We think it’s safe to say that changes need to be made to this Irish side.
There were just too many sub-standard performances from some of the Irish players in their defeat to Wales not to warrant a shake up.
Joe Schmidt has more or less kept faith with the same team (depending on injury) throughout this championship which makes sense to a certain degree – consistency and familiarity with regards to systems, set-plays, and pre-orchestrated moves are all important.
However, when some players fail to make their required or expected stamp on a game then there should be an opportunity for someone else to come in and prove a point.
One of the most disappointing aspects of Ireland’s defeat to Wales was that of the Irish back-row.
The Welsh had our number in this regard with CJ Stander, Sean O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip failing to make an impact on the game.
The back-row is dominated by natural ball-carriers but yet Ireland failed to gain significant ground from these players.
Many have called for the inclusion of Peter O’Mahony for next weekend as his ability in the lineout, maul defence and aggression at the breakdown are all attributes which Ireland will need in spades when they come up against England.
There needs to be a response https://t.co/QzJTOZbKMV
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 11, 2017
Of course, someone needs to drop out and Shane Horgan, writing in his column for The Times, hints that it could be his former teammate, Heaslip.
‘I’m surprised Peter O’Mahony didn’t come on a little bit earlier and that it was Stander taken off. He was the most effective of the back row. In contrast, Heaslip was having quite an ineffective game, where as the Welsh opposite numbers were outstanding.’
Many Irish fans would like to see a back-row of O’Mahony/O’Brien/Stander but Horgan believes it would be a huge call for Schmidt to make.
‘Will O’Mahony start against England? It’s a big call. Schmidt has the option of playing Stander at eight and for this game I think the coach has more licence to make a change.’
One thing is for sure, there will be many players looking over their shoulder in Carton House this week as Schmidt may look to wield the axe.
