Shane Horgan was not overly impressed with Ireland this year.
He has issues with all the provinces bar Connacht, but that’s another story. For now, the former Leinster and Ireland winger is looking ahead to a tough year ahead.
Ireland travel to South Africa for a three-Test tour before taking on New Zealand, Canada, New Zealand (again) and Australia in the autumn internationals.
“Contrary to opinion,” Horgan tells us, “I was very encouraged by how Ireland played against Wales in the Six Nations opener. They played an open game against a team intent on power rugby.
“As the tournament developed, I don’t think Ireland carried on with that style. They were very disappointing away to France and that ambition seeped out of their game.”
Horgan played the final years of his Leinster career under Joe Schmidt and he feels the Kiwi is not actively cracking down on an expansive game-plan. He does feel, however, that Schmidt’s quest for perfection has adversely driven many of Ireland’s players back into their box.
One player Horgan feels Ireland could definitely do with – and one that plays effectively on the hoof – is Garry Ringrose.
The 21-year-old missed out on Six Nations selection while the likes of Stuart McCloskey, Josh van der Flier and Ultan Dillane were given opportunities. Schmidt is a big fan of the centre but is cognisant of throwing him in at the deep end. Horgan dismisses the notion:
“Robbie Henshaw has developed into the player we hoped he might be but we need midfield options. I want guys to get a run-out in South Africa and Ringrose has to be there.
“We have lost Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy in recent years and need to look at options. It would have been good to see more of Stuart McCloskey in the Six Nations.
“Ringrose is a player that makes you sit up in your seat. He’s exciting. He has gained some weight and muscle yet retained that elusive quality to his game. All eyes have been on him and he has delivered. Put him in and he won’t disappoint.”
Horgan is also hopeful that Matt Healy makes the squad but he admits the Connacht winger is not the finished article yet.
“Joe has spoke glowingly about Matt,” said Horan. “From what I’ve seen from Healy, there are lots of positives but he has also made a few errors. That’s something he can work on if he goes on tour. He is certainly capable of making that Test step-up.”
Shane Horgan is encouraging all fans to check out Heineken Rugby Club, which brings rugby lovers all around the world together and celebrates the sociability and comradeship of the game.
