As Gordon Hamilton made his iconic dash down the Lansdowne Road turf in 1991, Irish fans thought “semi-final here we come…”
However, heartbreak ensued as Australia managed a last-minute try, halting Ireland's progress.
Fast forward 32 years and Ireland still seeks that elusive quarter-final victory. This Saturday, in the meeting of Ireland v New Zealand, they hope to carve out a new chapter in Irish rugby history by advancing further than any previous men's team in the Rugby World Cup.
However, formidable obstacles lie in wait. The All Blacks have none other than Joe Schmidt, Ireland's former head coach, renowned for his strategic mastermind in their camp. Even as the Irish team remains understated about Schmidt's potential impact, they are acutely aware that the game's outcome may very well hinge on the strategies deployed from the side-lines.
Remarkably, Ireland has managed to outplay New Zealand in their two most recent encounters. They now aim for a third consecutive win, a feat the All Blacks will struggle to deal with.
Here's a look into Ireland's tactical approach v New Zealand, highlighting potential areas of advantage and how they've managed to exert pressure in recent matches.
Ireland v New Zealand: Battle of The Blind Side
In breaking down the All Blacks' defence, Ireland might opt for a divide-and-conquer approach. Rather than confronting the entirety of New Zealand's defensive line, strategically isolating and targeting fewer defenders could be the wiser tactic. During their last encounter, Ireland astutely exploited the blind side, consistently drawing the same set of 3-4 New Zealand players into making tackles. This tactic not only induced fatigue among these players but also disrupted the All Blacks' defensive formation.
As the targeted New Zealand defenders fatigued their teammates often had to step in and cover the gaps. Sensing this disarray, Ireland adeptly switched their attack direction. The outcome? A brilliantly executed try by Earls. This strategic manoeuvre could very well be a blueprint for Ireland's upcoming clash against the All Blacks.
Why take on the whole #NZL team when you can keep attacking the 3 players down the Blind side. Great example on where #IRE can make huge metres. Nice finish by Keith Earls too!!! #IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/c69eOvxOjw
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) October 12, 2023
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Go after the New Zealand Props
Ireland, in their strategic gameplan, might opt to exploit what many consider the softer underbelly of the New Zealand defence: their props. A time-tested method of achieving this is to isolate the props post-scrum, capitalising on their relative vulnerability in open play.
In their 2022 clash against the All Blacks, Ireland masterfully demonstrated this tactic. By pushing two phases open, they managed to draw New Zealand's backrow defenders to one side of the field. This strategic move paved the way for Sexton, Aki, and Henshaw to realign and launch a focused attack on the isolated New Zealand props. The execution was clinical, resulting in a memorable try for Henshaw. With a tactician like Sexton on the field, it wouldn't be surprising to see him engineer a similar scenario in their next face-off.
#IRE repeatedly went after #AllBlacks props in the last test series. One of my favourite tries from that series/so well thought out, taking advantage of the overfold of the #NZL back row overfold. #IREvNZL #RugbyWorldCup pic.twitter.com/43cZTJmvza
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) October 10, 2023
Lineout Attack
While Ireland has had its share of lineout challenges in the pool stages, recent improvements now can improve their strike plays. The All Blacks employ an unconventional lineout defence strategy, positioning their fly-half (10) deep in the backfield while integrating a forward into the defensive line. This distinctive setup presents Ireland with a smorgasbord of tactical options to capitalise on.
something to watch out for in #NZL Lineout Defence - no tailgunner = 7 is in the front line defence . Blind side Winger also up in the line - 10 defends in the backfield with 15. LOADS of options to attack for #IRE (Peel plays?/shortside plays?/kick pass? #IREvNZL #RugbyWorldCup pic.twitter.com/MjkJAto4ED
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) October 11, 2023
Given Ireland's ability and smart thinking, they will employ one of their signature strike moves during a lineout. Drawing from past successes, we might witness moves reminiscent of their game against England in March, where Van Der Flier and/or Sheehan peel around the tail of the lineout. If executed well, this could pose a significant challenge to New Zealand's defensive strategy.
"Before the game we said they'd bring out a special play. Look at this, it's beautiful!"
Matt Williams on Dan Sheehan's try.#IREvENG #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/D6Ay19xOfv— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 18, 2023
An intriguing possibility for Ireland would be to delve into their past playbook and resurrect a tried-and-true tactic. In a twist of poetic justice, they could deploy the very strategy that saw Stockdale pierce through the defence back in 2018. Giving Joe Schmidt a taste of his own medicine, so to speak, by using one of the strike plays he's familiar with could be both a tactical and psychological move.
🙌 A try etched in Irish rugby history.
🥳 Happy birthday to the king of the chip and chase, Ulster wing Jacob Stockdale. pic.twitter.com/U4hnNPMaqs— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 3, 2023
Attacking Kicking Game
With Sexton, Ireland boasts one of the most astute kicking strategies in contemporary rugby. His tactical genius and ability to read the game often leave defences scrambling. Notably, New Zealand traditionally employs two players in the backfield covering the 15m channel. This set-up does leave a vulnerable spot: the chip space in the centre of the field. If Sexton can exploit this area with precision kicks, he could potentially open up significant opportunities for his side in this Ireland v New Zealand meeting.
Some nice little kick space #NZL for Sexton to go after this Saturday #IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/RKZ59rBSa5
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) October 11, 2023
Schmidt factor
For Ireland to win this, they must overcome the brilliant mind of Joe Schmidt. As the architect behind many of Ireland's past successes, Schmidt possesses an intimate understanding of the team's strengths and vulnerabilities. Whether it's one of his signature strike plays, an innovative approach to phased attacks, or an entirely fresh stratagem, rest assured, it's coming.
Ireland will need to be vigilant, adaptable, and prepared for the unexpected, as they face off against a New Zealand side led by one of the sharpest minds in modern rugby. The duel promises to be as much about the strategies off the field as the skills displayed on it.
This is a very smart probing by #NZL . All 1st half in this game they played the short pass 10 to 12/13 (running under lines/back at these defence). Then in 2nd half as #ARG defence narrows/expects short ball.... they go wide. Some pace to finish too. pic.twitter.com/58rmRCxJOj
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) October 10, 2023
Expect #NZL to come up with something different in their Phase attack play. v #IRE in the last test series they caused problems with hitting the 3rd man/outside man in the pod. #IREvNZL #RugbyWorldCup pic.twitter.com/aa4jjDwaGq
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) October 9, 2023
One thing is certain ahead of Ireland v New Zealand: whoever loses is packing their bags for home on Sunday morning. Hopefully, New Zealand have been getting their practice in this week!
The All Blacks bag chain is unmatched 🙌#AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/hUbXzsPdWv
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 12, 2023
