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Joe Schmidt borrows Simon Zebo's creche analogy to praise Ireland's young stars against Australia

Joe Schmidt has lavished praise on Ireland's emerging young rugby talent after their contribution...



Joe Schmidt borrows Simon Zebo...
Rugby

Joe Schmidt borrows Simon Zebo's creche analogy to praise Ireland's young stars against Australia

Joe Schmidt has lavished praise on Ireland's emerging young rugby talent after their contributions to the 27-24 victory over Australia at Aviva Stadium.

The win means Ireland have beaten all three of the Southern Hemisphere Big Three during the calendar year.

And head coach Schmidt was delighted with the individuals in Part III of the trilogy.

"It would certainly be for me one of the proudest days," he said to Newstalk Sports' Oisin Langan at the post-match press conference.

"I've been on a periphery that have shown immense character. Kieran Marmion playing 40 minutes on the wing, his impact tackle on David Pocock to dislodge the ball forward was phenomenal."

And with a joking quip from and about Simon Zebo, he used that to praise the young players who took to the field.

"I think Simon Zebo said it was like the creche out there because he was the old guy looking after the kids running around. It's probably reflective of how much control he has as a Dad because the kids were all over the place. I thought Joey Carbery did a great job, Garry Ringrose again stood up," said Schmidt.

"And it wasn't perfect but you probably can't expect perfection when those young guys step up or attempt to. But I think we managed to get the edge because the boys up front did a great job. Obviously [Rory] Best playing his 100th cap is incredibly special for him, but I think it was made even more special by that occasion. Tadgh Furlong continues to grow into the position, Jack McGrath was again very strong. I thought the front-row that came off the bench were good again."

Schmidt also reserved praise for the returning Peter O'Mahony and also expects Sean O'Brien, who was left out just before the game, won't be out for long as they chose not to take a risk with him.

"We'd be pretty hopeful he'll be back in the next week or two," he said of O'Brien. 

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