Joe Schmidt Praises Jared Payne Influence

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has praised the influence of centre Jared Payne, who will miss Ireland’s World Cup Pool D game against Italy with a bruised foot.

Payne’s World Cup performances came in for criticism from the many pundits and the media this week, but Schmidt is fulsome in his praise of the Ulster player.

“Jared formed a really good combination with Robbie (Henshaw) during the Six Nations and he’s really disappointed not to be playing this weekend,” said the Ireland coach.

“He is very calm, clear in his communication and his decision making is very good defensively and in attack,” he added.