Kiss: Choke tackle not our only weapon

Les Kiss has reminded Ireland’s World Cup rivals that the team possess many weapons in their arsenal beyond the choke tackle.

Kiss devised the technique that sees players, usually working in pairs, grab opponent and ball around chest height.

They then work together to prevent the ball from being grounded, thus increasing the chances of being awarded the put in at the scrum.

The tackle has attracted plenty of attention in New Zealand after it was used to such great effect in the 15-6 victory over Australia, but Kiss insists it is just one facet of Ireland’s game.

“Other teams have already started copying it. England took it on and were speaking to me about it after the Six Nations,” said the defence coach.

“Some things you can’t keep under cover for too long. Certainly some teams are starting to look at the technique in a certain way.

“Fortunately referees are looking at it in the context of the law and how it can be applied.

“We have a lot of tools in our box to use and we don’t just rely on the choke tackle.

“That’s the beauty of this side, we can put pressure on in different ways.”

Ireland saw the best defensive record at the World Cup come to an end with yesterday’s 62-12 victory over Russia at Rotorua International Stadium.

Two second-half tries were leaked to the Pool C minnows, knocking the Irish down the defensive pecking order.

“We were in the position to have the best defence after round three. That isn’t the case now, but it’s still a good effort by the boys,” said Kiss.

“The United States’ try was an intercept and then there were the two against Russia.

“There are things to work on and this will make us hungry to improve, which is important.

“We’re concerned when a point goes against us, particularly at set piece. We are usually very good at defending set pieces.

“But I’m not going to hang myself on it, you have to take your hat off to them. They had fast backs with sevens experience.”

Ireland have spent little time dwelling on their nine-try rout of Russia, a team they were always expected to beat with something to spare.

The more pressing assignment is Sunday’s clash with Italy in Dunedin where defeat could see them fail to progress to the quarter-finals, despite their historic victory over Australia.

“The main mission against Russia was to win and get a bonus point. In that respect it was mission accomplished,” said Kiss.