Ireland assistant coach Andrew Goodman has highlighted the team’s efforts to address an “inconsistent” attacking performance ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes Test against Australia at the Aviva Stadium.

Addressing Inconsistency After Recent Matches

Following a narrow defeat against the All Blacks, Ireland’s performance against Japan last weekend showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately required three late tries to secure a 41-10 victory. Goodman emphasized that while the team demonstrated moments of free-flowing rugby, the challenge is to replicate these sequences more consistently throughout a match.

“It’s been inconsistent in the last two weeks,” Goodman said. “When you look at Jack Crowley’s opening try against Japan – the phases, the bodies at the line, the intent in running – that’s where we want to be as a team. We need to chase that down more consistently and we’re working hard to make sure we produce that.”

With two major Tests on the horizon against the Wallabies and reigning world champions South Africa, Ireland’s coaching staff are determined to fine-tune their attack to sustain performance across 80 minutes.

Selection Challenges and Full-Back Options

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell faces selection decisions, particularly in the full-back role. Jamie Osborne, who played at 15 in recent Tests, is sidelined with a shoulder injury. In his place, British & Irish Lion Mack Hansen has returned to full training and is now in contention for selection.

Goodman praised the squad’s depth in the full-back position:
“We have some great options. It’s a shame about Jamie, who has been progressing well. But we also have Jacob Stockdale, Jimmy O’Brien, Mack Hansen, and Ciaran Frawley all capable of stepping in. They’ve all been training hard, and it’s great to have these options.”

This versatility provides Ireland with tactical flexibility and allows Farrell to experiment with player combinations, particularly against top-tier opposition like Australia and South Africa.

Turning Training Excellence Into Match Performance

Goodman also acknowledged the high standards displayed in training but stressed that performance needs to translate to matchday execution.
“There have been good moments in training, but it has to start showing on Saturday,” he said. “We can’t just talk about training going well – it’s about the performance in the Test match.”

Ireland’s coaching team is focused on achieving a complete 80-minute display, balancing structured attacking phases with player creativity and intent. The emphasis on consistency, combined with squad depth, is central to Ireland’s strategy this autumn.

Looking Ahead

Saturday’s Test against Australia is a crucial step for Ireland as they look to solidify their attacking structure and build momentum ahead of upcoming international fixtures. With Mack Hansen back in training and other versatile options available, Ireland aim to convert high-quality training sessions into effective matchday performances against elite opposition.