Kiss: Eddie will keep Eagles grounded

Ireland reported no injury concerns from their captain’s run at Yarrow Stadium today.

Keith Earls and Denis Leamy sat out the session, but defence coach Les Kiss insisted this was merely precautionary and that there were no injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s clash against the US Eagles.

Kiss has had a profound effect on the Irish defensive system since coming on board with Declan Kidney in 2009, and the Australian was quick to point out the physical size of Ireland’s opponents particularly in the out wide.

“What’s fairly noticeable about them (USA) is that they have a very large backline,” said Kiss at today’s captain’s run in New Plymouth.

“Their centres Suniula and Emerick are big guys as are their wingers. There’s a lot of power that comes from their game in that area.

Kiss was fully aware of the emotional impact that Sunday’s game, the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, would have on the US team as well as the wider impact of the day’s events.

Kiss, however, was confident that their coach Eddie O’Sullivan would keep his players grounded on what should be a tough day for the US players.

“It's quite emotional for a lot of people in the world. The Irish rugby community lost some people in it, as did the US rugby community,” said Kiss.

“It's a grave thing to remember really. Will the emotion take over? I don't think so. Eddie's smart enough to check that.

“But we have to recognise that it's a terrible thing that happened 10 years ago. Hopefully we can look at it in a good light at the end of the game.”