As Joe Schmidt prepares to lead his Wallabies against Ireland this weekend, the cogs are undoubtedly turning in the mastermind coach’s head. Fresh off a controversial loss to Scotland, Australia now faces Schmidt’s former pupils, with plenty of subplot and intrigue surrounding the clash.
Cracking the Irish Code
Schmidt’s primary focus will be on how to counter Ireland’s suffocating style that so effectively shut down Australia’s power game against the Scots. The men in green will look to get on the gain line early and often, so the Wallabies must find a workaround to unleash their dynamic attack.
Prendergast’s Baptism of Fire
Central to Schmidt’s plotting is the surprise selection of uncapped Sam Prendergast at flyhalf for Ireland. The 21-year-old impressed off the bench against Fiji, but being thrown in against the Wallabies is a true baptism of fire.
I thought he did really well against Fiji, and Faz must have thought he went all right as well, I suppose, because he’s put him back in against us,
Joe Schmidt on Prendergast’s selection
While surrounded by experienced heads like Jamison Gibson-Park and Bundee Aki, the young playmaker will be firmly in Schmidt’s crosshairs. Expect the Wallabies to test Prendergast early and often, probing for any weakness in the Irish “hinge”.
Centurions Collide in the Front Row
On the other end of the experience spectrum, Ireland prop Cian Healy is set to surpass Brian O’Driscoll as his country’s most capped player. His 134th appearance will see him packing down against fellow stalwart James Slipper, in a battle of grizzled looseheads.
Schmidt was full of praise for his former charge, musing that the pair of props “know how to get that longevity” and will likely share a drink post-match. But pleasantries will be put aside for 80 minutes as the Wallaby scrum looks to target the Irish set piece.
The Master’s Apprentice
One can only imagine the swirling thoughts and machinations in Joe Schmidt’s relentless rugby mind. Having previously tormented teams with his shrewd tactical approach as Ireland boss, he now plots their downfall on his old Dublin stomping ground.
Watching Prendergast’s every step will be crucial, as Schmidt probes for the slightest hint of inexperience or frailty to mercilessly exploit. It’s master versus apprentice, as the young flyhalf looks to prove his mettle against the wizened professor.
The chess pieces are set and the battle lines are drawn. In a match dripping with intrigue and reunions, Schmidt’s inside knowledge could prove pivotal as familiar foes go head-to-head. Will the Wallabies crack the Irish code, or will Andy Farrell’s men stand firm on home soil? The tactical warfare is about to begin.
