Donal Lenihan: Why Ireland’s lineout is failing — and what must change before facing Australia

Ireland’s stuttering lineout and inconsistent attack have left opponents circling, with Australia now poised to expose any lingering weaknesses

NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Allan Alaalatoa before an Australia Rugby captain's run at Blackrock College in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Simplicity the key to lineout productivity

Once a key strength, the lineout has developed into a microcosm of Ireland’s shortcomings across the board at present. Every Irish fan has arrived at a point where they grimace when Dan Sheehan or Rónan Kelleher steps forward to feed the opening lineout of the game.