THERE was an honest air of worry on the part of coach Andy Farrell in his post-match interview after the Test win against Japan at the Aviva Stadium.
Hints that this is an ageing Ireland squad are emerging and the performance against the Brave Blossoms must be concerning.
“At the break we were feeling sorry for ourselves but we got some tempo into the game in the second half and we pulled away,” said Farrell, adding that the 41-10 victory was hard-earned.
There is certainly an improvement required when Ireland tackle Australia at the same venue this Saturday, kick-off 8.10pm.
Forwards coach Paul O’Connell must be frustrated at the number of errors at lineout time so we can certainly expect improvement in this game. The number of needless spills and turnovers has to be stamped out if Ireland are to prevent defeats in the two remaining fixtures, the latter against South Africa in Dublin on November 22.
Munster centre Tom Farrell had an impressive international debut but he is unlikely to start in this one, but with Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey, and Jack Crowley almost certain to play a part, Munster will be well represented.
One wonders why Gavin Coombes has been overlooked for a call-up.
The Cork back-row has been the essence of consistency over a number of seasons and he has a high number of tries to his credit in the red jersey. One wonders if he was playing with another certain province would he be counting his Irish caps in dozens?
Recent weeks have seen a flood of international rugby entertainment shorten our winter nights but it won’t be long for a return to the lower level.
Munster are at home in the URC against Stormers in a top-of-the-table clash at Thomond Park on Saturday fortnight, while the Cup campaign begins the following weekend in Bath, and will be followed by a series of glamour ties.
Bring it all on!