Ex-Ireland Forward Highlights Lineout Issues in Andy Farrell’s Team
Retired Irish player Alan Quinlan expressed his frustration over ongoing lineout challenges facing Andy Farrell’s side. In their recent 13-26 defeat to the All Blacks, Ireland secured only 11 of 16 lineouts, achieving a 69% success rate. This closely matches last year’s 70% accuracy in a 13-23 loss against the same opponents.
Ireland is currently experiencing a three-match losing streak against New Zealand. Although their lineout performance improved during the 24-28 Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss in 2023 — winning 13 of 15 lineouts (86%) — it still contributed to the defeat.
Quinlan on the Lack of World-Class Lineout Operators
“It’s frustrating. The games we have suffered in and lost in the last couple of years, there is always a number of lineouts that have gone awry.”
“It’s a bit of leadership too from players, identification, and I don’t think we have any world-class lineout operators. In that I mean kind of an Alun Wyn Jones, a Paul O’Connell, a Victor Matfield. These types of guys who run a lineout brilliantly and are obsessed – that’s a big strength in their game.
Look, it’s difficult to have that type of character in some teams because they don’t grow on trees, the Victor Matfields or Paul O’Connells.”
Context and Impact
- Ireland’s lineout win rate has hovered around 70% in recent losses to New Zealand.
- World-class lineout leadership appears missing, affecting critical moments in matches.
- The presence of exceptional players like Alun Wyn Jones or Victor Matfield could potentially turn the tide in tight contests.
Quinlan’s analysis points out a leadership and skill gap in Ireland’s lineout execution, which has hampered their ability to overcome top-tier teams like the All Blacks.