Form ‘not a concern’ for Ireland in NZ build-up

Before Ireland’s Test against New Zealand in Chicago on Tuesday, John Fogarty insists that the squad’s coaches are not concerned about the team’s performance.

Following Munster’s resounding 31-14 victory over rivals Leinster at Croke Park on Saturday, Ireland assembled in Dublin on Monday.

Leo Cullen, the province’s head coach, has acknowledged that his side are “not battle-hardened at the moment,” but Fogarty is confident that the national team will be ready for their encounter with the All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1. There are 22 Leinster players in Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad.

“Sometimes, just checking yourself can be a really good thing,” said scrum coach Fogarty.

“But I firmly believe that knowing what’s in store for them, knowing the opportunities that are open to us, knowing the significance of it, and wearing a green jersey to represent Ireland,”

Fogarty continued, “It will be addressed immediately if we’re not seeing progress or if we’re not seeing the right levels.”

Fogarty added that a Test match against New Zealand would be the “perfect” challenge to help Ireland’s squad focus more.

In their past 10 games, which date back to Ireland’s first victory in Chicago in 2016, New Zealand have won five of those games.

After the series win over Australia, Ireland’s British and Irish Lions squad took a break, but New Zealand won six games and finished second behind South Africa in the rugby championship.

Every time we play on the field, the group should be expected to be competing with these teams, Fogarty said.

Nothing else should be thought of, they say. We must have that mindset, and that’s why I’m referring to how we should push ourselves right away rather than wait and see what happens or hope things turn out well.

Due to foot injuries, Ireland will be without lock Joe McCarthy and wing Mack Hansen, and center Robbie Henshaw (groin) and Bundee Aki (hip) have emerged as doubts for the New Zealand game.

Caelan Doris, the team’s captain, will still need to be fit for Soldier Field, according to Fogarty.

Number eight Doris hasn’t played since having shoulder surgery in May, which ended his eligibility for the British and Irish Lions’ summer tour to Australia.

He has already returned, I am aware. He made some modifications to contact last week, according to Fogarty.

He is in excellent form and “fizzing away,” he said. He seems to be in a good mood when he speaks to young people and when he speaks to us. He is a very cautious person.

He appears to be very good, Fogarty continued. We have two, three practice sessions on the pitch, and Saturday and Thursday will be performance days, so if he plays those games, we’ll see where he’s going for New Zealand.

We are hearing, “He’s in a great place,” he said.