Jackman backing for backroom boys as ‘boot camp’plan works wonders

BERNARD JACKMAN regrets not having played a part in Ireland’s Grand Slam season, but he lavished praise on the management team for their role in the historical success.

The Leinster hooker is preparing for a match of huge importance against Ulster in the Magners League at the RDS on Sunday (5.30pm), but he took time out yesterday to hail the importance of the off-field organisation he believes led to Ireland’s triumph.

Recalling a series of meetings held in Enfield over Christmas, Jackman, a member of the extended squad, said: “We left that camp believing things were really going to improve. It wasn’t about assuming the Six Nations would be won, but all of the players felt it was sure going to be an enjoyable place (camp).

“We had a lot of constructive meetings that were positive and honest; guys highlighted where they felt things were going wrong, and basically it was agreed to go into camp in a positive frame of mind.

“If you look at that Irish team, there was so much experience and caps but not a huge amount of change in personnel over five or six years; maybe guys had been taking things for granted.

“It was agreed to change the mindset, to go in there and be positive about being involved in a rugby camp for so long; a desire to do stuff off the field and enjoy one another’s company and a determination to go out and win games.

“Guys decided to make an effort not to head off up to their rooms for the night, to do something with the team instead. It sounds very basic, but in sport if guys are enjoying what they’re doing then they’re definitely going to play better.”

Jackman described as inspirational the decision to give players the opportunity to spend quality time with their families or friends, even during the height of the international season.

He said: “The whole idea of giving the players more time off was also very important. The way it was set up was that you would go in and do your work in as confined a time as possible — then you get away to spend time with your family or do whatever you wanted to do in your spare time.

“Just because you work for seven days doesn’t mean you’ve done seven days’ good work. If you can do four days and three days at home, whatever, then that can benefit you mentally and it certainly appeared to work in this instance.”

From a personal point of view, Jackman was disappointed not to be involved but admitted: “I have plenty experience of that.”

Having suffered injury on and off, Jackman is fully recovered and ready to throw down the gauntlet to Ulster in Sunday’s Magners League Irish derby.

“We have had some serious battles with Ulster over the last few years but we won’t treat Ulster lightly.

“Ulster’s shock win over Munster in Limerick will help us focus; I suppose you could see it building because they were steadily getting better.

“Ulster took all their chances and they got some fortunate bounces as well. Still, they didn’t let up and their defence was massive, it was a statement of intent to the fact they had turned the corner. I’m sure they will take massive heart from that and will see us as another big target in Dublin.”

Jackman admitted that, in the absence of front-liners such as Brian O’Driscoll, Jamie Heaslip, Luke Fitzgerald and Robert Kearney, there would be a big onus on other players this weekend, but Jackman believes there is enough experience to carry them through.

“We’re fortunate to have guys like Leo (Cullen) back, Rocky Elsom, CJ (van der Linde) a World Cup winner, Felipe (Contepomi) and Isa (Nacewa) all available. There’s a fair degree of experience there alone.”

As holders of the Magners League, Jackman said there was a grim determination within the squad to retain the title. “This title remains high on our desire list. The Heineken Cup is, of course, a huge goal, but we’re in with a shout of winning the Magners as well; there’s no reason we shouldn’t want to win both competitions.”