On this day: The Joe Schmidt era begins in Ireland
Joe Schmidt was appointed as Ireland head coach on this day in 2013. The New Zealander, who had guided Leinster to back-to-back Heineken Cup crowns in 2011 and 2012, signed a three-year contract as he succeeded Declan Kidney.
Kidney was relieved of the role earlier in the month after a poor Six Nations campaign, in which the team finished fifth, their worst championship performance since 1999.
Schmidt was set to officially begin work on July 1 with Les Kiss – the attack coach under Kidney – overseeing the summer tour to the United States and Canada.
“When I came to Leinster in 2010 I didn’t really want to be a head coach, but I’ve really enjoyed the experience since,” Schmidt said.
“I’m really motivated by challenge and this is a super but intimidating one. If you’re going to find out what you can bring to a group, what better way than to take on one of the big jobs in world rugby.
“I’ve had a good look at a lot of Ireland’s players and, when we get our collective together, we’ll try to improve performance and make us as competitive as possible.”
Schmidt subsequently took charge after Leinster had won both the Challenge Cup and PRO12, and was at the Ireland helm until 2019.
His reign saw the team win three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2018, and beat New Zealand in Chicago in 2016 – their first ever victory over the All Blacks – and then again in Dublin two years later.
The last match of his tenure was a 46-14 loss to New Zealand in the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup – they had been eliminated at the same stage by Argentina at the 2015 edition.
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In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to commentsI’d be fascinated to see what other candidates you all might have for the Lions captaincy role. Let me know, below 👍
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