Nerves got better of us, says Kidney

DECLAN KIDNEY and his assistant coaches are in for a busy week on the training field as they try to correct the many defects in Ireland’s play ahead of the pivotal Pool C clash with Australia next Saturday.

A misfiring backline, high error count and slow tempo caused by problems at the breakdown against a physical and enthusiastic American team in New Plymouth yesterday have produced more questions than answers. Kidney admitted his team would have to be a lot more clever against the Wallabies at Eden Park, Auckland.

“Australia is a whole different kettle of fish, what we had to do to beat America was one thing, we just have to be smart when we play Australia next week. That’s what we have to do,” Kidney said.