Gaffney: Playing games way to go

IRELAND backs coach Alan Gaffney is convinced the decision to play four tough Rugby World Cup warm up matches in successive weeks is the right one.

He also believes South Africa’s call for 21 top players to rest from Tri Nations action could come back to haunt them in New Zealand next month.

Speaking at Ireland’s team base of Carton House, County Kildare, yesterday, Gaffney said striking a balance between physical preparation and match practice was hugely important.