Joe Schmidt – “The One Thing I Would Say Is Don’t Give Up On This Team”

They’ll be back.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt says he’s “disappointed” with the manner of Ireland’s 25-7 defeat to Wales in the Six Nations today but has asked for Ireland to not “give up on this team” just yet.

Schmidt highlighted Ireland’s uncharacteristic poor discipline and Wale’s early try, but conceded that they simply “weren’t as good as Wales today.”

“I’m disappointed” Schmidt said when asked about the manner of Ireland’s defeat.

“Our discipline which usually doesn’t let us down it allowed them to get the distance ahead of us.”

“They scored after a couple of minutes and you’re always under a little pressure and we didn’t respond overly well to that pressure, giving up penalties.”

“I thought we were pretty unlucky not to get a couple of our own,”

“But when you don’t get that you’ve gotta earn something elsewhere and we weren’t as good as Wales today.”

It’s been a Six Nations to forget for Ireland but Schmidt says the current crop will be “gracious in defeat” and take today’s defeat ”on the chin.”

“The one thing I would say is don’t give up on this team.” Schmidt added

“They’re a hard-working and skilful bunch who will take this on the chin. They’ll be gracious in defeat because Wales did a super job. ”

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