Steadman key to unlocking Ireland
For a start, the hosts have Mike Brewer, who knows all about the Leinster players after working as the province’s forwards coach until last summer.
But they also have Graham Steadman, the man who designed Ireland’s defensive strategy and must, therefore, be in a perfect position to show the Scots how to unpick it.
“I know a lot about the Irish individuals and the new defensive coach who has stepped in (Les Kiss) has very similar principles to those that I have. That should stand us in good stead,” he said in Edinburgh yesterday.
“Ireland are going to travel to Murrayfield with a great deal of confidence.
“The only way to stop that is to front up and get in their faces. I can give the players all the information they require, but they have got to go out and execute both in defence and attack. If we can do that, then, yes, we can cause a bit of a surprise.”
For all that, Steadman has spotted a distinct change in the Irish set-up since his involvement. He believes Declan Kidney has brought to the national coaching role the same confidence, the same empowerment of the players and the same ruthless streak that characterised his time with Munster.
“The forwards, apart from Stephen Ferris and Jamie Heaslip, are all from Munster,” Steadman points out. “They have all been working together week-in, week-out for the best part of three seasons. The understanding they have is very much to their advantage.
“As a result, Ireland very much mirror the way that Munster play. They have a lot of patience, are very disciplined with ball in hand and they will play right to the end and never panic.
“It is a mindset that Munster have had for a number of seasons and it has put them in a very strong position to compete for every trophy that has been available to them.
“They have not always been great to watch but the bottom line is that they get the job done. It is all the influence of the players and Declan (Kidney) giving them the responsibility.
“That is the way the Ireland set-up will be, plus they have the quality of the likes of Brian O’Driscoll, who is hitting a rich vein of form.”
But O’Driscoll is only one of the players that Steadman must plan for.
“Ireland have strike runners all over the place,” he admitted. “I am a big fan of the two wingers. I always liked the look of young Luke Fitzgerald right from the time I helped him through the development process at Leinster.
“He is a quality player who we can’t ignore even though he is young and relatively inexperienced. Tommy Bowe is somebody I also rate highly.
“I know Ronan O’Gara is not firing on all cylinders, but he always has a big game lurking somewhere. He is a big game player and I think that it might happen this weekend at Murrayfield.”
Scotland have been handed a lift ahead of Saturday’s clash after Jim Hamilton, Nathan Hines and Rory Lamont returned to training. Hines and Lamont have not featured in the championship and lock Hamilton missed the victory over Italy last time out after suffering a shoulder injury early in the defeat by France.
Perpignan lock Hines was in danger of missing the whole campaign after undergoing knee surgery on February 10, while Lamont has not played since suffering ankle ligament damage while playing for Sale on December 5.
Steadman is optimistic Hamilton will be fit for Saturday and he admits the unexpected presence of the other two at training is a huge bonus.
He said: “The fact we have got three quality players back training with the squad has given everyone a lift.
“The early call on Jim Hamilton is very positive. Nathan, experienced pro that he is, will give us an honest call post-session regarding how he has come through it.
“The fact Rory is training with us this week is a boost and it will be interesting to see how far down the track he is in terms of his fitness.”
Steadman added: “It’s massive to have these experienced, quality players available. It certainly gives us food for thought for our selection.”
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