Former Ireland international Bernard Jackman believes that coaching is the “one area” the IRFU have really nailed despite the mixed form of the provinces and national team.
Jackman claims that while the governing are “cutting budgets” they have invested in “quality coaches” which has perhaps enabled Ireland to refind their form at international level.
Andy Farrell’s men finished second in the recent Six Nations, recovering superbly after an abysmal loss to France by comfortably beating both England and Scotland.
After a dip in form following the Rugby World Cup, this was much more promising from the Irishmen with the global tournament 18 months away.
They certainly seem to be in a better position than the English who, despite their improvement against Les Bleus in the Six Nations finale, are not getting a return from their investment.
Making the most of their resources
“The grand master of coaches in Ireland, Andy Farrell, has proved once again how lucky we are to have him. Just look at the way he maximises the resources he has,” Jackman wrote in his Irish Independent column.
“When you look at the England team underperform and see the investment and demands Steve Borthwick insisted that the RFU give him in terms of central contracting, training camps and so on, it reinforces how lucky we are.
“The IRFU have invested in property around the Aviva Stadium in the last few years but securing Andy Farrell in a new contract is as good as bricks and mortar.”
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While Jackman reserved most praise for Farrell and urged the IRFU to hand him a new contract, the respected pundit feels they have an impressive set of rugby minds throughout the provinces.
Stuart Lancaster’s methods now appear to working at Connacht after a rocky start, Richie Murphy has revived Ulster having previously shone as Ireland’s U20 head coach and Clayton McMillan is highly rated following his time in New Zealand.
There will inevitably be concerns over Munster and McMillan following their 45-0 hammering at the Sharks, but they are still in URC title contention.
“The IRFU may be cutting budgets but one area where I think David Humphreys and the power brokers have got it right is investing in quality coaches to create the right environment for our professional players,” Jackman wrote.
“Stuart Lancaster’s move to Connacht is a great example. Originally, it seemed the former England coach was going to Australia but when that fell through the IRFU convinced him to move back to Ireland and rebuild a Connacht team which has suffered for years with inconsistency.
“The positivity during pre-season was incredible but the first half of the season didn’t quite reflect the soundings coming from the playing group. But what really impressed me was in any off-the-record chats the players were totally sold on the way they were training and trying to play.
“Ulster lost on Friday night but they are now a serious team. Murphy has shown that he is not just a brilliant underage coach but can inspire the elite too… Murphy and his coaching staff have rebooted a culture and playing style that has Ulster thriving again.
“Any of my New Zealand contacts that worked with McMillan cannot speak highly enough of him and they are adamant that if he is given time he will turn the team inside out.”
Jacques Nienaber
Then there is Jacques Nienaber, the World Cup-winning coach who joined Leinster following the Springboks’ triumph in the global tournament.
Nienaber has had his critics after sacrificing their free-flowing playing style and not picking up Champions Cup silverware since, but they remain Ireland’s best chance of continental success.
“Obviously Jacques Nienaber’s CV is up there with any of the top coaches in the world and Leinster now head into the exciting part of the season for them as our sole representative in the Champions Cup and with no more international rugby to distract them,” Jackman added.
“They should benefit from the improved form of their star players in the Six Nations and they have the squad to win both the URC and the Champions Cup.”