Whatever Schmidt has, it works

Joe Schmidt must have big sleeves.

It’s a proclamation we have been hearing with greater frequency and certainty with every game his Ireland play.

Thing is, it is a message that should have been delivered with a shrill voice this time given the absences of 18 players through injury. Instead, there was a discernible air of certainty and calm about what it was that the Ireland coach would yank from up his jumper.