Pre-Match Quotes: Eddie O’Sullivan

Click here for quotes from Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan from Tuesday’s press conference at the Citywest Hotel.

Graham Steadman and Eddie O’Sullivan discussing defensive issues at Clongowes Wood

EDDIE O’SULLIVAN: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

– ON NEW CAP ANDREW TRIMBLE –

“Andrew (Trimble) is ready for international rugby. He’s an outstanding player and his form has been exceptional. I thought New Zealand was not the best game to give him his first Test start but I had to use him this autumn and this is the best time.

“Defensively he’s strong. He’s very gutsy, quick and a good ball carrier who likes to take players on and run at them.”

– ON THE SELECTION FOR SATURDAY (V AUSTRALIA) –

“The area I could have tinkered with was the pack. Our set-piece was good against New Zealand. We lost just one lineout but then got it back – and our scrum was solid. But we had a total of 16 set-pieces and they had 32, so they had twice as much ball as we did. That’s a problem you can’t do much about.

“The back row played very well. Denis Leamy had an exceptional game at number eight – the New Zealand management thought he was outstanding.

“As a unit this backline is our best shot. Andrew will bring something different to the midfield and we’ve retained Shane Horgan, who is also good with the ball, in the side.

“I could have made another couple of changes but I thought I’d give the team another crack. The boys who came on against New Zealand did well, so there is room to manoeuvre.

“But a raft of changes wouldn’t have done anything for the team. In our situation it was good to take a deep breath and look at our performance against New Zealand. We weren’t terrible, they were just outstanding.

“Our attack was good and we broke New Zealand a few times, but we lost our composure a bit and made some defensive errors. I think we can fix those.”