Joe Schmidt and stimulation can drive Ireland to be world class

The players have now moved onto a level where they want to do something on the world stage. It’ll be fascinating watching them try, writes Ronan O’Gara.

There’s one coach that the players in Ireland are really responding to at the moment, and it’s none of the provincial bosses. Joe Schmidt has the players’ minds fully occupied.

The Irish players were never stimulated under previous coaches in the way they have been by the New Zealander. With the exception of Australia 15 months ago, the boys have performed to such a high standard that I wonder whether they switch off a bit mentally and physically when they return to the provinces, when you compare the coaching detail they’re receiving.