All Blacks great Andrew Mehrtens thinks Ireland has something special in their game that makes them different from others. They became the best team in the world in July 2022 after beating the All Blacks in a series, and they’ve stayed at the top ever since.
Before the Rugby World Cup started, people thought Andy Farrell’s team might win because they were really good. But some people were worried because they hadn’t done well in the past.
People were a bit less worried after they played well against Romania and Tonga, but now there’s more pressure on them this weekend. Ireland is playing against South Africa, who are also doing well in the competition.
The Winner Will be the New Number One
To add spice to the occasion, first place is on the line in Paris on Saturday, but Mertens says Ireland has a slight advantage over the Springboks due to their ability to “find solutions.”
I believe. “They have the volume, the strength, and the power to fight against the Boks. They could also develop a better defense than the All Blacks showed against France at Twickenham and against South Africa,” he said on the BBC 5 Live Rugby Daily podcast.
“Ireland will be confident. What makes them exceptional is how they communicate. The All Blacks, during their dominant period, especially in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, had excellent communication, which was a key but often overlooked part of their strategy.
“It enables them to go into structured play but react to what is happening in front of them. That is through clear, precise, and accurate communication.
“Ireland has a plan that they are currently working on. If the situation in front of us changes or an opportunity presents itself, we can react to it quickly because we always have multiple runners. They are all real. We will promote the line.
” They always attract defenders, and there is always a chance somewhere. It is similar to the great Australian teams that Stephen Larkham put together.
He had multiple runners. Only by reading and communicating could they choose the right runner. “Look, I do not want to disrespect South Africa because they are phenomenal, they are patient, they can beat you down, they can beat you down, and as soon as the slightest opportunity arises, they pounce.”
Whether it is (Manie) Libbok, (Cheslin) Kolbe, (Kurt-Lee) Arendse, they have so many different lethal players that can easily take advantage of any opportunity.”
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World Cup Favourites
Mertens believes that despite being number one in the world, Ireland remains under the radar. The former All-Black went so far as to say Farrell’s pick should be high on his list of favorites to win despite France, South Africa, and New Zealand taking part in the tournament.
“People are beginning to talk about Ireland a bit more, but probably not as much as they need to yet,” he added. “When people talk about Rugby World Cup favorites, they should really mention that team first.
“France and South Africa are strong teams, but Ireland deserves more recognition. They are quietly working hard and should be acknowledged for their efforts.”
“It was a great performance from Ireland against Tonga. A comprehensive win against a team with no shortage of talent and no shortage of players who are starting to develop their cohesiveness is no slouch for Tonga.
“I was impressed that they cleaned it up like that. I’m sure Ireland will take it to another level this weekend.”
