Joe Schmidt: The reaction

In all the hoopla about the Lions, a major story nearly passed us by, Joe Schmidt will lead Ireland to the World Cup in 2015

But what does this mean for Ireland?

This for one: 

Schmidt's teams are known for impressive backline tries, but it's the use of ball handling forwards that are the fulcrum to the success.

Each member of the team is comfortable with the ball, and while they have devastating moves, they play heads up rugby, are patient and take their opportunities.

Heaslip's first try here shows the level of support that the ball carriers have, the intention to keep the ball alive when it's on, and not to do something courageous when it's not.

This is what Rob Penney has been trying to do with Munster, and possibly with a mix of Ulster, Leinster and Connacht players, Ireland can achieve ball playing forwards, driven by Jonny Sexton, Ian Madigan, Paddy Jackson, Ronan O'Gara and Ian Keatley to ensure that the right options are taken.

Schmidt makes great use of his bench, and isn't afraid to pick players to suit certain games. The use of Isaac Boss in more attritional games over Reddan, with Reddan coming on is most seen here. 

Against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup semi final, Cian Healy went on a great run which swung momentum in Leinster's favour at a key moment in the match. Healy was subsequently taken off, and Heinke van der Merwe delivered a massive scrum which firmly put Leinster in the driving seat. Schmidt trusts his players to make key moments in game like that, which bodes well for those stuck on the bench in the last 6 Nations like Dave Kilcoyne and Sean Cronin.

Jordi Murphy, Brendan Macken and Eoin O'Malley are three youngsters that Schmidt wasn't afraid to use at high levels of the Heineken Cup. Schmidt will be prepared to use young performers like Ian Madigan, Tommy O'Donnell, Robbie Henshaw, Kieran Marmion or Iain Henderson.

The future is bright for Irish rugby.

Lions Reaction

I wasn't planning on writing a piece about this, but some things can't go without a rant.

While I may have guessed 31 out of the 37 going, a lot of poor decisions were made.

Central to my frustration is the inclusion of Dylan Hartley, which I am not alone in, and said so in advance:

It will be a relief for everyone Hartley and Ashton won't be going. They'd be very annoying for the more cultured, learned Lions on tour.
— Whiff of Cordite (@WhiffofCordite) April 30, 2013

Realistically, as long as Ashton and Hartley don't go, I'll be quite happy.
— BallHandling Hooker (@BHHooker) April 29, 2013

Dylan Hartley is a good player, and on reflection, possibly isn't the worst player that has ever, or will ever play for the Lions. 

But the Lions aren't picked solely for their playing credentials. 6 weeks with completely new teammates need good personalities, likeable people and the success on the field is directly related with team harmony on it.

Team harmony is something that will be helped by situations with this: 

Hartley's record includes: 

• 26 week ban for gouging two different players in the same game, 
• 8 week ban for biting
• 2 week ban for elbowing

Hartley's inclusion comes ahead of Rory Best, Ken Owen, Richardt Strauss, Ross Ford, Sean Cronin and Dougie Hall.

It's something I really can't fathom. He isn't the hooker that is strong at ball-carrying and handling.

Rugby Onslaught summed it up well 2 years ago. 

Other less important issues:

Matt Stevens inclusion is a surprise, they might be hoping that his experience will help. Surprised not to see Euan Murray or Mike Ross in there, but it's ok.

Mako Vunipola is an impact player, but is unfit and a horrible scrummaging.

Richie Gray was a name that was a certainty a year ago. He is one of the most out of form players in the world right now. Strange call, but if he's a good player if he can get back to it.

2 Outhalves is a strange call, but was well flagged. Seems strange not to have a back up utility player to cover in the mould of Twelvetrees, Madigan, Hook, Laidlaw or Goode. The options were there. 3 Fullbacks and 2 outhalves seems daft.

I still wouldn't have picked Jonny Wilkinson, good kicker, good defender. Offers nothing else. The game has moved on from then.

Only one recognised Inside Centre is a worse call than the Outhalf position.

Overall the backline looks a bit ordinary. The best explanation of it is:

Really feel the #LionsSquad is missing too many players with a bit of #Woshkabomy.@mattrcnm am I using it right?
— Cillian Hogan (@Cillian_Hogan) April 30, 2013

With no Zebo, or Wade, or Ian Madigan, there seems a lack of spark. Let's hope I'm wrong.