1
John Mitchell: Ireland 'are the best team in the world'
By Online Editors
Ireland have been declared as the best team in world rugby by England defence coach John Mitchell.
Mitchell's claim comes less than a week out from the two nation's blockbuster Six Nations clash in Dublin this week.
The 54-year-old, whose extensive coaching career has seen him take charge of the likes of the Bulls, Chiefs, London Irish, Sale Sharks, USA and New Zealand, told the Irish Times that Ireland represent a monumental challenge in England's challenge for the Six Nations title.
"It's our aim to win the Six Nations, but first up is Ireland and arguably they are the best team in the world," he said.
"If you're going to play the best team in the world, you might as well get into them straight away.
"They've deserved all the honours that came their way in 2018. Having them first up makes the challenge even more exciting."
Ireland are coming into the 2019 Six Nations campaign as reigning champions after claiming their third-ever Grand Slam title last year.
Joe Schmidt's side then went on to beat the Wallabies in a three-match series in Australia, before dispatching the All Blacks for the first time on home soil.
Their success has garnered worldwide attention, with many now considering the world's second-ranked team to be the best side on the planet.
Mitchell is one of Ireland's many admirers, but he is determined to not be overawed by their incline in fortunes.
"It’s a challenge that you don’t over-think, instead you walk towards it and embrace it," he said.
“It’s always been tough playing there, but it’s even harder now because they’re a well coached side. They’re very consistent and have a process they’re very confident in.”
England are set to name their side for this weekend's match on Thursday, and will be without the services of loose forward Jack Clifford, who has returned home after sustaining a head injury in training.
Fellow loose forward Brad Shields and winger Joe Cokanaisga are also injury doubts for this weekend's clash, but star playmaker and captain Owen Farrell is expected to return to the side after undergoing thumb surgery.
Rugby World Cup city guide - Kumamoto:
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' weaknesses
3
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy
4
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
5
Latest Comments
Come on, RugbyPass. You let a notorious homer grade his own beloved team?
Anyway. I rate Barrett, and I’m one of those who think no one else but him and Mo’unga should have ever dressed the ABs’ 10 jersey as long as both are still active, but he wasn’t a 9.5. Barrett is the best game controller of all contemporary ABs’ first fives. Kiwi fans are obsessed with ball running 10s and many don’t realize, that there are other boxes a “first five” needs to tick, than instinctive genius attacking rugby. The DMac lovers don’t seem to notice, that his poor tactical decisions costed ABs some games this year, granting tries to both Pumas and Springboks. As for BB, just review the miniseries against England earlier this year. In one of the games, Barrett came on the field, and literally turned the tables by putting immense pressure on the English through clever kicking. It’s not sexy, but it wins games and championships. Ask Handré Pollard, who started his international career as a ball running 10/12, and then turned himself into a game controller.
Anyway x2. 10 is a perfect performance, that couldn’t have been better. 10 is Dusautoir in the 2011 RWC finals. Barrett wasn’t next door to a performance, that couldn’t have been better as much as I rate him.
Go to commentsToo many boks held up in when touching down - Siya and Fassi should've scored
At least the line-out is getting better. A good tour but a soft finish in H2 in this game I think
Go to comments