‘The Players Are Really Clear On What We’re Trying To Achieve’ – John Fogarty

Ireland Scrum Coach John Fogarty on the changes to the Ireland Squad, the return of the Lions players and their preparation time ahead of the clash with New Zealand in Chicago.

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Asked about the latter Fogarty said, “I know the Lions makes it a little bit different. We work really closely with those Lions players throughout the summer.

“I don’t feel concerned about Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Rónan Kelleher or Andrew Porter. They’re really clear on what it is we’re trying to achieve. They’ve had rest, they’ve had a pre-season, so any little bits and pieces that are untidy or fix-ups, mentally they’re not fatigued from anything.

“They should be in a really good place to come in and hit the ground running, and that’s what’s expected of them. A kick in the arse sometimes is a good thing and Munster gave Leinster a massive kick in the arse. Sometimes that can be a really good thing, to just check yourself. If they can’t get themselves in the right place then we’ve all done a poor job. So look, it’s not a concern for us.

Fogarty also spoke about the return of Ireland captain Caelan Doris, “I think he did a bit with Leinster last week. I know he has returned, I think he did some modified contact last week.

“He’s in great form. I think he’s fizzing away. There’s a nice mood to him, how he’s talking to lads, how he’s speaking to us. He’s a very measured guy, Caelan. We’re excited that he’s back. I don’t know his plan over the next couple of days, we’ve two, three sessions on the pitch, Saturday and Thursday will be performance days.

“So if he’s in those games, then we’ll see where he’s at for New Zealand week, but I know that he did some modified contact last week.”