Reddan: Every session counts in build-up to New Zealand

DIFFERENT years, different coaches, different players too. Yet Eoin Reddan’s ambition remains the same – to get on the plane when Ireland head for the World Cup and to makes sure ambition is translated into success.

While Reddan is full of praise for the current coaching regime, the way the players are managed and the preparations for New Zealand 2011, he declined to level blame at Eddie O’Sullivan for Ireland’s embarrassing performances in France four years ago.

There were different circumstances, he believes, and cites unavailability of players in 2007 as probably having played a part in the outcome. “When 15 guys didn’t go on tour it probably changed the dynamics a bit, but I don’t think that was Eddie’s fault. The tour was on, what could he do?”

The decision to play four warm-up games also differs from back then and Reddan said: “We’ve got four games now, so it’s hard to compare. They (Declan Kidney and Eddie) are both excellent coaches with great records with Ireland.”

While much of the blame for Ireland’s poor showing in France centred around lack of game time before the tournament, to now play four games in successive weeks before such a big event will test the fitness levels of the players and the nerves of coaches who have to watch and pray for victory as well as a clean bill of health after.

Thankfully, Ireland came through Saturday’s opening game against Scotland without any physical problems other than the normal “bumps and bruises.” But they lost the game when Scotland scored a late try.

It will be important to pick results up in the coming weeks when they play France twice and England, but Reddan is sure they will do just that.

And the Scotland defeat, whilst disappointing, wasn’t a killer blow, he insists: “It’s important to stay positive and look at how the lads are playing; at what we can improve on for next week. We must stay in that kind of analytical mode to make sure the whole squad keeps moving forward, so we’re in good nick when the competition starts.”

Individually, that competition is well underway between five quality number nines, Reddan, Tomás O’Leary, Peter Stringer, Isaac Boss and young Conor Murray.

Reddan has been there many times and relishes the challenge. “The competition is great, you know. Everyone works as hard as they can anyway, but there’s the added bit that if you get in the team you know you’re doing well.

“It’s good for the squad because you don’t want to be playing your way into form, you want to earn that jersey and I think that’s the way it should be for any international team. It’s certainly the case for Ireland at the moment and it’s a proud day, particularly at scrum-half, if you get the nod.”

He hopes to get that nod this weekend. “He (Declan) hasn’t said that, but he’ll do the best he can. His ultimate goal is to win the World Cup, so I presume he’ll operate in the way he sees fit for that.

“The squad have to trust that and I think they do. Last week we had an extra week of pre-season while the other lads played and we have to use that to our advantage and get the most out of all those weights and fitness sessions.”

His whole focus is getting a World Cup place then? “Yeah. You got to love playing in a World Cup. Even being part of a squad in the World Cup is great. It does really matter in a World Cup how everyone buys into whatever situation you’re in, and enjoy it for what it is so, yeah, it’s a very enjoyable time and we’re all very lucky.”