Munster’s Mark Chisholm proud of Wallabies

Mark Chisholm had many great days in the gold jersey of Australia, but one of his proudest moments came watching the current Wallabies hold their defensive line for 10 minutes with just 13 men in the recent Rugby World Cup victory over Wales.

It could, he believes, be the catalyst for Michael Cheika’s side lifting the William Webb Ellis Trophy for the third time. The newly-signed Munster second-row, with vast experience through his 58 international caps, 102 appearances for the Brumbies and 90 odd games for Bayonne, will be cheering on the Wallabies in their quest for glory.

“The last two games have been outstanding, especially against England. It was really a massive step up after the Fijian and Uruguayan games. And then against Wales, again being under pressure with 13 men for 10 minutes and holding their lines like that. They did amazing work, I was really proud.”

Chisholm stopped short of saying Australia would win the tournament, but he believes they can get to the final. “If I say they are going to win and it doesn’t happen, what do you call it? But certainly the way they are playing now you’d say they’d be in the final for sure.”

He praised Cheika and Stephen Larkham for the roles they played in Australia’s recent success. “I think he (Cheika) has worked well on the plan to bring back some senior players for a while now and Stephen is a true genius of the backline. Michael Cheika really knows how to control the players and really get the best out of them.”

Chisholm was busy this week preparing for Munster’s Guinness Pro12 clash with Cardiff Blues at Musgrave Park tomorrow (1.30pm), still working on the different style of play between French Top 14 and Pro12. “I’m kicking in with that. It’s different, the learning curve is certainly very sharp especially with the timeline I’ve had to do it in. In saying that, I’m still learning.

“It’s not perfect, but I’m leaps and bounds ahead of where I was four or five weeks ago.”

Although clearly a direct replacement for Paul O’Connell, Chisholm insisted he won’t be trying to fill those shoes. “I don’t think anybody could fill his shoes. He’s a legend of Irish rugby and of Munster rugby. What I am looking to do is to add my style of game to help the team either in an experience sort of way or my sort of way.”

Munster go in search of a straight fourth Pro12 win, although the last two against Ospreys and Glasgow Warriors were achieved at the death. Chisholm takes the view those were gained through killer instinct more than good fortune.

“If you’re thinking of it in a positive direction, then all the work putin pre-season with fitness showed in the last 10 minutes. Realistically, big games are won and lost at the back of the 80 minutes, so you look at it in the way, the boys had fuel in the tank to get over that try line and they’re not worried about the pressure. They work under pressure well. If you’re looking at it from the positive side, that’s a great result.”