D'Arcy takes heart from signs things beginning to click

RUGBY:A DEFEAT REGARDED through the rear-view mirror occasionally smarts a little bit more because hindsight provides the answers to questions asked on a pitch. There was plenty to admire in Ireland's performance against New Zealand last Saturday, but to progress demands a cold appraisal of any shortcomings.

Ireland’s final November Test against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday will provide a ready measurement. The key for coach Declan Kidney will be to maintain the upward curve of the graph following Saturday’s display.

Turnovers are the precious gemstones of the modern game and last Saturday Ireland had their pockets picked time and again. New Zealand exacted a heavy price for each mistake and it was that ruthless exploitation of opportunity that was decisive in determining the final score.

“I suppose there were mixed feelings after the game,” centre Gordon D’Arcy said. “We were happy a lot of the things we have been trying to do over the last two weeks started to come off, but disappointed at the end that some of our mistakes allowed New Zealand to capitalise and pull away from us with those quick scores. They are very clinical.

“As Brian (O’Driscoll) said, we put in a performance for 66 minutes or so and had them really hurting, but to get the better of them you need to push it further. I think we are getting to that stage if we keep trying things and working as hard as possible for each other (we will reap the rewards).

“I don’t think there is a better side in the world at the moment (than New Zealand) in terms of punishing you for any mistakes, but I think we can be positive that we are still on the right road, and Saturday showed that.”

His views were endorsed by Ireland backs’ coach Alan Gaffney.

“I think we did what we set out to do and attacked them. It was more about how we as a team are trying to evolve and implement our style and game plan rather then who we were playing. We did that for good periods and I think we saw another step forward on Saturday.

“New Zealand were ruthless at exposing our turnovers . . . You have to be exceptionally tight with them in not giving away ball.

“One good thing was that we created quite a few scoring opportunities and showed some good patience by holding onto the ball to keep them under pressure. If we can continue to do that under the new rules, we can continue to progress in our style and become more of a threat and ask questions of defences for longer periods.”

The sheer physical endeavour required against the All Blacks exacted a heavy toll from an injury perspective even from those who finished the match.

D’Arcy suffered a blow to his calf early, and while it tightened up he refused to let it affect an excellent individual performance. The prognosis on his fitness for the Pumas match rests in the hands of the Irish medical team, but he is “hopeful” he will be available.

He’d like to be around in a playing capacity next weekend when his long-time friend and former Leinster team-mate Felipe Contepomi arrives with the Pumas.

“Looking at their results, especially the French one at the weekend, it shows what a challenge we have this weekend,” D’Arcy admitted.

“Argentina always seem to make it especially hard to break them down and to run France so close on French soil is a good indicator of what they can bring to the Aviva.

“It will be good to catch up with Felipe on and off the pitch.

“From what I have seen he has been going really well with Toulon and seems to be bringing that sort of form onto the international stage.

“They might be missing Hernandez, but they have Felipe there pulling the strings alongside the other experienced players for them, like Ledesma, Fernandez Lobbe, Tiesi and Albacete. It shows it is a quality Argentina team and we expect a challenge right across the park from them.”

There was a suggestion Kidney might delay announcing the Irish team until Friday – it’s still a possibility – because of the injury concerns, but the Irish coach is expected to reveal his hand as outlined tomorrow lunch-time. Argentina will name their side on Friday.

No decision has been taken as yet on when fullback Rob Kearney will have exploratory surgery to ascertain the damage he suffered to a knee during the All Blacks match other than he will go into hospital this week.

The Irish management are expected to be able to offer a more definite statement on whether Brian O’Driscoll (shoulder), Tommy Bowe (calf) and D’Arcy (calf) will be available for the Pumas match this afternoon.