Archer uses criticism after Australia game as motivation

Munster prop Stephen Archer, who was singled out for criticism on television following Ireland's poor display against Australia, says he uses such broadsides for motivation.

The 25-year-old, who won his second cap against the Wallabies having made his debut against Italy in the Six Nations, said while no player likes criticism he accepts it comes with the territory when you are a professional player.

The Cork man did not feature in Sunday’s clash with the All Blacks and made an appearance off the bench in Munster’s win over Cardiff after being released from the Ireland camp.

“Pundits are paid to do that kind of thing but I’m not particularly bothered, no. Friends and family were saying it to me but you just brush it off and move on and just concentrate on the next performance.

"I'd use it as a source of motivation. It's obviously not a nice thing to be criticised on national TV but that's the job we're in. Use it as a source of motivation, move on and get on with the job."

Drafted in
Archer was drafted in during the final quarter of that dismal display against Australia when Ireland were well on their way to a 32-15 loss.

“It was probably a bit of a tough enough scenario, the way the match was going, but at the same time it’s such an honour to represent your country so you’re dying to get out on the pitch.

“Going on in that situation you’re just trying to help the lads out there. They’re obviously out on their feet after defending for 60 minutes so you just try and help out.

“Australia were in good form that day and it wasn’t great, you know, for me or the team.”

Archer was among the small number of players who began last week preparing to face the All Blacks and by the end of the week were back in action for their clubs.

'I kind of knew'
"From training I kind of knew, I didn't get a feeling I was going to be in and when the team was announced on the Wednesday you just mentally prepare yourself, hopefully get out of here now and get back to the Munster match, fingers crossed.

“It was easy enough coming back to the lads. I came back and trained on Thursday, flew over Friday and the match was Saturday.

“It was easy coming on in the second half after a good performance like that and hopefully now this week we’ll drive it on and get the win over in Wales again,” said Archer ahead of their clash with Dragons tomorrow night.

He said they are anxious to hold on to top spot going into the Heineken Cup clashes against Perpignan but with Munster having been turned over 30-24 in Rodney Parade in April, he is taking nothing for granted in Newport tomorrow night.

“It’s a difficult place to go and historically, Munster teams haven’t gone so well over there, but fellas will be trying to put their hand up before the Heineken matches in two weeks,” he added.