On the whole, Ireland’s 41-10 win over Japan was pretty disappointing. For 50 minutes, Ireland struggled and were beset many of the same problems that have dogged them for the past 18 months.
Yet again, the lineout creaked. The lineout was a major cause of concern in Chicago – as it has been since the 2023 World Cup – but Ireland only won 57% of its own lineouts in the first half.
There were a number of comically bad lineouts in that first half, though the arrival of Gus McCarthy did steady things in the second half
Ireland captain Caelan Doris spoke to RTÉ’s Clare McNamara after a stellar performance. Doris had a very specific explanation for the malfunctioning lineout.
It was good calling. It was just down to the audio in here. There was a couple of lads not being able to hear the call, that’s all it was.
It was a curious explanation however as the Aviva crowd was subdued on the whole, given the lunchtime kickoff and the spectacle unfolding
However after one poor first half lineout, Ronan Kelleher could be seen on replay pointing to his ear as if he couldn’t hear.
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RTÉ’s pundits took a dim view of the ‘audio’ complaint. When asked on RTÉ’s post-match analysis if Ireland’s second half performance gave him hope, Jamie Heaslip brought the comment up.
“Well let’s hope those games aren’t loud, in terms of the lineout calling.”
Heaslip then apologised but added Doris’s comment did “annoy” him.
Speaking to RTÉ, Andy Farrell praised Gus McCarthy’s second half performance in steadying the lineout, and Ryan Baird for switching to the second row. He said he had no concerns about Ireland fixing its lineout woes before the Australia and South Africa games.
There were a few errors there, people missing calls etcetera but we’ll get it sorted.
I’m not concerned because we’ve got brilliant people who are brilliant at their jobs. I’m talking coaches and players now so, there’s no concern.
Farrell expanded on the lineout in his press conference.
The lads who are involved in leading it are top class, as well. What I saw, there was good calling. Some people got their calls wrong. That’s individual stuff. One overthrow. But they didn’t panic and they found a way, in the second half. That was certainly pleasing. Putting Ryan into the second row, and there was a bit of change with Caelan. They found a way.”
The lineout has become such an obvious point of concern for Ireland, you’d have to imagine Paul O’Connell will be under considerable pressure to find a solution over the coming fortnight.
Joe Schmidt and Rassie Erasmus, meanwhile, will be licking their lips to exploit Ireland’s most glaring deficiency.
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