Schmidt relishing his options at hooker

Richardt Strauss tackles South Africa's Jan Serfontein

By Grainne McGuinness and Shaun Cronin

Joe Schmidt said both hookers who played for Ireland on Saturday put in great performances and is delighted to be in the position of choosing between two strong contenders to start next weekend.

Sean Cronin started the match against South Africa and Ireland’s head coach was impressed with his performance.

“If you look at some of the tackles Sean Cronin put in, he is a pocket dynamo,” said Schmidt. “He closes space so quickly. He got a fantastic shoulder on.”

However Schmidt also felt Richardt Strauss had a great game when he replaced Cronin.

“I thought Richardt did really well,” he said. “Richardt came on and he stole the ball, I think in the first 60 seconds that he was on.”

“He was pretty keen, probably to get one up on Adriaan, who’s an incredible player and a big, strong man,” he added, referring to Richardt first cousin Adriaan Strauss who came into the game as a replacement hooker for the Springboks.

When interviewed after the game Schmidt wouldn’t be pushed on who could expect to start next week against Georgia.

“We won’t make any of those decision,” he said. “We’ll make a few decisions on probably Monday morning when the coaches get together. That’ll give enough time Sunday for all the medical information to come through.”

“It’s great to have two players that fill one spot and that allows you to fill it right up.”

Ulster’s Rory Best was ruled out of selection for the South Africa game last Wednesday because of a calf injury, and there has been no update from the Ireland camp since about his fitness.