Click here for the thoughts of Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan after his side saw off the Wallabies in a 21-6 win at Lansdowne Road.
...Eddie O'Sullivan...
See below for the thoughts of Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan after his side saw off the Wallabies in a 21-6 win at Lansdowne Road.
EDDIE O'SULLIVAN:
- ON THE WIN -
"It was a good day's work. We're very happy with that performance. The first half was outstanding, as was the second - although we did nothing major after half-time.
"We took a risk playing into the wind after winning the toss. I would have taken an even score going into the interval so we could try to close the game out with kicks in the second half. But the two tries in the first half were fantastic and a great bonus. We put ourselves in a winning position at half-time.
"At half-time we said it was important not to go into our shells when it became difficult and we'd continue to try to play in the second half.
"We probably over-elaborated in the second half but I'd rather we try that than become conservative. It wasn't pretty in the second half. But we didn't stop trying to play, which is more important.
"It was a good win and we certainly have confidence in ourselves. We back ourselves in situations - Geordan Murphy's disallowed try came after 21 phases of possession.
"It would have been fantastic if he had scored. We could not have put something like that together a few years ago."
- ON THE TEAM'S IMPROVEMENTS -
"We have skill all over the team, and that makes life much easier for us. There's more of a balance to our game now, and I don't think we had that even three years ago. The last two games have proved that we can now play a more balanced game and that's a real positive.
"We've got a great confidence in ourselves at the moment. We've a great capacity to hold onto the football and take it through a number of phases. Our skills have improved quite dramatically and we've got players all over the pitch that are comfortable on the ball."
- ON MARCUS HORAN'S INJURY -
"I'd be very pessimistic about it - Marcus looked bad coming off. We think Marcus has torn his calf muscle, although that's not the official verdict from the medical team. He will have a scan tomorrow.
"He had a similar problem earlier in the season, although it's the other calf this time. It popped in the scrum. It's not a good sign. He won't be ready for next weekend (against the Pacific Islands).
"He told me it's not quite as bad as the last injury, but it's not a good injury to have."
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