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'I think it's going to be exhilarating' - Schmidt responds to Mitchell's bold claim

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt. Photo / Getty Images.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has responded to the comments made by England defence coach John Mitchell in the lead up to their side’s blockbuster Six Nations opener in Dublin this weekend.

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Former All Blacks coach Mitchell said earlier this week that while Ireland were the world’s best side, they would try to “bore the s***” out of England to secure victory at Aviva Stadium.

Schmidt appeared unfazed by Mitchell’s attempt to get under his skin, however, dismissing his fellow New Zealander’s jibe as “banter”.

“I don’t think for a moment that it’s going to be boring. I think it’s going to be exhilarating,” Schmidt told media on Thursday after announcing his side for the juggernaut clash.

“I think it’s going to be edge of the seat because I don’t think there’s a huge amount between the teams.”

Schmidt sprung a surprise in his team announcement, with regular midfielder Robbie Henshaw being shifted to fullback in place of Rob Kearney.

It will be the first time the 25-year-old has played there since making his international debut against the United States in 2013.

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Schmidt cited a lack of game time for 90-test Kearney due to a thigh injury and an increase in depth in the Irish midfield as the main reasons for the tactical switch.

Taking Henshaw’s place in the midfield is 24-year-old Garry Ringrose, who will pair up with the explosive Bundee Aki.

Both sides are set to enjoy the return of key players within their ranks, with veteran halfback Conor Murray set to suit up in the emerald green for the first time since June last year after sustaining a neck injury.

English midfielder Manu Tuilagi will start in his first test in over four-and-a-half years, while brothers Mako and Billy Vunipola have been welcomed back into Eddie Jones’ side after a string of injuries that have kept them out of the national set-up for a number of months.

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Both sides are set to open their Six Nations campaigns against each other at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on February 2.

Rugby World Cup City Guides – Oita:

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J
JW 1 hour ago
'Passionate reunion of France and New Zealand shows Fabien Galthie is wrong to rest his stars'

Where? I remember saying "unders"? The LNR was formed by the FFR, if I said that in a way that meant the 'pro' side of the game didn't have an equal representation/say as the 'amateur' side (FFR remit) that was not my intent.


But also, as it is the governing body, it also has more responsibility. As long as WR looks at FFR as the running body for rugby in France, that 'power' will remain. If the LNR refuses to govern their clubs use of players to enable a request by FFR (from WR) to ensure it's players are able to compete in International rugby takes place they will simply remove their participation. If the players complain to the France's body, either of their health and safety concerns (through playing too many 'minutes' etc) or that they are not allowed to be part in matches of national interest, my understanding is action can be taken against the LNR like it could be any other body/business. I see where you're coming from now re EPCR and the shake up they gave it, yes, that wasn't meant to be a separate statement to say that FFR can threaten them with EPCR expulsion by itself, simply that it would be a strong repercussion for those teams to be removed (no one would want them after the above).


You keep bringing up these other things I cannot understand why. Again, do you think if the LNR were not acting responsibly they would be able to get away with whatever they want (the attitude of these posters saying "they pay the players")? You may deem what theyre doing currently as being irresponsible but most do not. Countries like New Zealand have not even complained about it because they've never had it different, never got things like windfall TV contracts from France, so they can't complain because theyre not missing out on anything. Sure, if the French kept doing things like withholding million dollar game payments, or causing millions of dollars of devaluation in rights, they these things I'm outlining would be taking place. That's not the case currently however, no one here really cares what the French do. It's upto them to sort themselves out if they're not happy. Now, that said, if they did make it obvious to World Rugby that they were never going to send the French side away (like they possibly did stating their intent to exclude 20 targeted players) in July, well then they would simply be given XV fixtures against tier 2 sides during that window and the FFR would need to do things like the 50/50 revenue split to get big teams visiting in Nov.

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