O'Sullivan rubbishes criticism
Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has rounded on critics of his team selection during the autumn Tests by claiming they have a limited understanding of Irish rugby.
London Irish lock Bob Casey, Toulouse flanker Trevor Brennan and Munster back row David Wallace have been omitted from all three November internationals despite the clamour for their inclusion.
But O’Sullivan, who has come under the heaviest fire for his failure to pick Casey, insists his critics are not in a position to comment because they do not see enough Irish provincial rugby.
“You get coaches over in England and France telling you how good their Irish guys are playing. But they only see that one player,” he said.
“They don’t see those who are playing for Munster or Leinster. I have to see all the players. Many of the club coaches’ views are a bit skewed.
“Some people in England can’t believe Bob Casey isn’t in the Irish team but they haven’t watched Paul O’Connell, Donncha O’Callaghan, Malcolm O’Kelly or Mick O’Driscoll. If they have seen them, then maybe they’ve got it wrong.”
O’Sullivan’s refusal to give Ulster scrum-half Kieran Campbell some game time during the disappointing defeats by New Zealand and Australia has been another sore point.
Campbell, who was capped twice as a replacement during the summer tour to Japan, is an exciting prospect who could soon be squeezing veteran Munster half-back Peter Stringer out of the side.
The 26-year-old has been given a chance to impress during Saturday’s clash with Romania at Lansdowne Road where he will link up with Ulster fly-half David Humphreys – and O’Sullivan is expecting big things.
“Kieran Campbell is a very confident half-back. He doesn’t have a lot of experience and he’s grown into the position. He spent some time on the wing which might have helped his career,” said O’Sullivan.
“He’s very quick and scored a phenomenal try in the Heineken Cup last season. He’s strong and a very smart footballer.
“He knows what he’s doing and has played with David Humphreys, so that will help him. This is another step along the ladder for him – he went on the tour to Japan and did very well.”
Romania arrive at Lansdowne Road on the back of their first ever victory over Canada after completing a last-gasp 22-20 triumph in Bucharest last Saturday.
They have access to their professionals based in the French league but are still not expected to trouble Ireland, who should complete their autumn series on a high.
