The lineout work needs to improve but O’Connell still has a major influence.
2020 was a weird year for everyone but still, the Andy Farrell era hadn’t begun with a notable bang. A third-place finish in the Six Nations was followed by a third-place finish in the Autumn Nations Cup. Not the worst results but the performances weren’t the best overall.
The Irish lineout defence had become a big strength under O’Connell, while his work with their attacking breakdown started to bear fruit. But for Jordie Barrett’s thigh preventing Rónan Kelleher from grounding the ball in the second half, O’Connell might have been hailed as the genius behind Ireland reaching a World Cup semi-final for the first time.
Ireland went to South Africa last summer and O’Connell’s coaching had a big impact on them securing a second-ever win over the Springboks on South African soil. Conor Murray scored off that play in the first Test and then again in the second Test, the latter try proving to be the only one of the game in Durban as Ireland secured a memorable win.Last month, Ireland obviously had issues in the lineout but it was still the key source for Farrell’s men as they won three of their four games.
Restart receptions from the halfway line are another important role for the forwards coach and Ireland did a magnificent job in defusing the threat of Joseph Suaalii against Australia, with O’Connell and co. making an excellent plan to negate his ability in the air.
Ireland Lineout Paul O'connell Poc
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