Something’s got to change for Ireland following the disappointing Wales defeat.
England are up next, and Ireland will have to seriously up their game if they want a result against the champions on home territory. It’s a daunting task, especially on St Patrick’s Day weekend, but nothing is impossible.
Kevin McLaughlin has suggested that the change needs to come in the front row, speaking on Episode 6 of the Hard Yards. He believes that Munster’s Peter O’Mahony is the right man to bring in because of what he brings to the line-out.
“I think Pete (O’Mahony) will come in. I think the focus will be back on the line-out again this week.”
“I think we’ve gotten away with having two kind of ball-carrying back rowers, rather than flankers, rather than line-out operators. But, generally what you have and what makes Dev’s life a lot easier is having a line-out back row.”
O’Mahony brings something different to the line-out, both defensively and offensively, explains McLaughlin. His inclusion would add a new dimension to the set play.
“What a line out back row means, I was one of them, Pete is the one in there at the moment, is someone who actually does their homework on line-outs, focuses on line-outs, does a lot of work with Dev one-on-one, and with Donnacha Ryan, and the three of them work well together.”
“What Dev has had for the last three weeks is him and Donnacha Ryan in the line-out. You bring Pete in there and he’ll do his homework on the defence side. He’ll help Dev out with the attack. He’ll talk to Dev about different options based on the way England defend and like that takes the pressure off Dev when he’s calling and it’ll add an extra weapon in our line-out and obviously, besides all the other things Pete brings.”
As for who has to make way, McLaughlin sin’t sure. He knows that Schmidt has a tough decision on his hands.
“Who he comes in for, I don’t know. It’s take your pick there. They have all played great rugby over the course of the tournament. It’s hard to see Stander get taken out, so it’s going to be a tricky decision for Joe, but I think it’s a decision that has to be made.”
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