Give it time, says O'Sullivan
Eddie O’Sullivan has pleaded for patience as Ireland attempt to shed their “predictable” approach in favour of a new swashbuckling style.
Ireland unveiled their new tactical blueprint in their opening autumn international against New Zealand 10 days ago but they did not quite have the ability to match their coach’s ambition.
Even with the wind behind them they neglected to kick, and although their play was more varied against Australia on Saturday, their threequarters still provided the main avenue of attack.
O’Sullivan admits the change in focus marks something of a departure for Ireland and that his players are still getting to grips with the new gameplan, but he stresses the tactical rethink was essential.
“We made a decision that this year we’d try to be less predictable as a team and try and keep the ball in hand more. That means taking more risks,” he said.
“Maybe we had become predictable last season. We want to change the way we play. Despite facing two top teams over the last two weeks, we’ve run with the ball more than we have in other games.
“Of course there is a risk element in that. If you lose the ball in those situations you get punished severely and you do have to show a lot of composure under pressure.
“But that doesn’t come without trying things out it in the crucible of a Test match. We’re still in that process.
“They’re harsh lessons to learn but you must take the risks or won’t develop.”
O’Sullivan’s critics will point to two poor performances against New Zealand and Australia as evidence Ireland’s limited playing resources are not capable of realising his aspirations.
At times they showed some nice touches but too often they were let down by handling errors, poor decision-making and the absence of a genuine cutting edge in the backline.
O’Sullivan’s efforts to take the Irish game in a new direction is to be applauded, however, and he is sure to see a better return from Saturday’s clash with Test minnows Romania.
The Ireland coach names his team to face the Romanians tomorrow lunchtime and is ready to field a developing line-up with one eye trained on the future.
He has made four additions to his squad by bringing in four Munster players in hooker Jerry Flannery, second rowers Mick O’Driscoll and Trevor Hogan and back John Kelly.
O’Driscoll and Hogan are called up due to doubts over the fitness of Malcolm O’Kelly (concussion) and Matt McCullough (dead leg), and Kelly will provide cover for Shane Horgan (dead leg).
“We’ve always looked at the Romania game with a view to changing things around. During the last couple of autumn series the easier game has been in the middle,” said O’Sullivan.
“Last season we faced the USA between South Africa and Argentina. The year before we had Fiji between two bigger games. This time the easier match has been tagged onto the end.
“We’ve always thought about looking at new players for Romania. We’ve circled the wagons and are looking at what we want to get out of the week.
“The result against Australia doesn’t change the overall plan which is to try and push on and get some players on the pack.”
