Alan Quinlan: Ireland Must Adapt Or Risk Falling Behind
Alan Quinlan: Ireland Must Adapt Or Risk Falling Behind
Alan Quinlan analyzes Ireland’s Six Nations struggles, highlighting the loss of dominance and the need for tactical adjustments to stay in rugby’s elite
Ireland’s Six Nations campaign ended with more questions than answers.
Once considered among the best teams in the world, the team's performances this year suggest a team struggling to reach the heights it previously enjoyed.
Speaking to Plejmo, former Ireland backrow Alan Quinlan believes Ireland’s performances have been off, saying, “There's something a little bit off with Ireland, and I don’t think it's clicking like it was.”
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While flashes of brilliance were evident in spells against Scotland and England, Ireland lacked the consistency that defined its dominant run between 2022 and 2023.
Instead of finishing on a high, the team ended the tournament with lingering doubts about its ability to evolve.
Quinlan pointed to the failure to put in a dominant performance in the final game, stating, “I think what they needed yesterday was a dominant performance to finish on a really positive note. That wasn't the case.”
The attack that once flowed so effortlessly now seems to be missing a spark.
Opponents have adjusted their defensive structures, spreading out to deny Ireland the gaps the players once exploited so efficiently.
Quinlan highlighted the defensive adjustments teams have made, explaining, “Teams are fanning across the field, keeping more defenders on their feet and saying, ‘Look, Ireland, you're not going to run through us.’”
With fewer defensive weaknesses on which to capitalize, Ireland has struggled to find alternative ways to break through.
The absence of a figure like Johnny Sexton has left a noticeable void in leadership, and while the squad is filled with talent, no one has yet stepped up to command the field in the same way.
The precision and tempo that once were hallmarks of Ireland’s play have been inconsistent at best, and it’s clear that a fresh approach is needed.
In contrast, England has started to find its rhythm under Steve Borthwick.
Long criticized for a conservative, mistake-averse style, England showed a newfound attacking ambition in their emphatic win over Wales.
The inclusion of Joe El-Abd in the coaching setup clearly has made an impact, improving the defensive line speed and injecting more variety into their approach.
The shift is evident in the way England has played through this tournament, combining power and clinical finishing with a more open style that fans have long been demanding.
Quinlan praised England’s evolution, saying, “They were really powerful, clinical, ruthless, aggressive, and when the opportunities arose, they just seemed to change gears and blow Wales away.”
Scotland also has emerged as a team on the rise, particularly in the backline.
With players such as Darcy Graham, Duhan van der Merwe, Blair Kinghorn and Hugh Jones all making strong cases for selection on the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, Scotland’s depth in attacking talent is undeniable.
Quinlan even suggested a scenario where Scotland’s entire backline could feature for the Lions, stating, “All those three Scottish players, you could have a case of Russell, Jordan, Huw Jones and the back three. You could have six of them, seven of them, going on the Lions tour.”
While Ireland has struggled, Wales has faced even bigger challenges.
The Welsh campaign was marked by a lack of physicality, confidence and overall cohesion.
Against England, Wales was completely overmatched, running into defensive walls with little ability to break through.
The idea of Simon Easterby stepping in as the next head coach has been floated, given his deep ties to Welsh rugby, but the problems go beyond coaching.
Wales’ regional and financial issues make any coaching transition a complex task, requiring more than just a tactical shift to restore them to competitiveness.
Quinlan acknowledged the challenges, saying, “It's a really difficult one because for any coach looking at it, it's a rebuilding job.”
Elsewhere, France and South Africa remain at the top of world rugby, with little to separate the two teams at this moment.
France demonstrated in its second half against Ireland that it has the ability to beat anyone when they hit the team hits its stride. The squad depth and improved player management have elevated their consistency, making them a formidable force.
South Africa, despite not having played in some time, still possesses the kind of depth and tactical intelligence that makes them a constant threat.
If the two were to meet on neutral ground today, it would be a clash of near equals.
Quinlan reflected on their strength, saying, “France and South Africa are in a similar situation. They just have incredible depths. So many players to choose from. They're very well coached.”
The debate around South Africa’s ‘Bomb Squad’ strategy - loading the bench with forwards - continues to spark discussion.
While some hope the tactic backfires in a way that forces a rethink, it has yet to fail in any meaningful sense.
Teams looking to counteract it will either have to develop strategies to neutralize its effectiveness or embrace a similar approach.
Quinlan weighed in on the topic, admitting, “I think it's a strategy that is a risky one because there's part of me just hoping it would in some ways backfire on a team someday in a sense that they get two or three of their backs injured and then everyone goes, it's too risky.”
For Ireland, the reality is clear.
The world has adjusted to its game, and unless the squad adapts in return, they risk falling behind.
Other teams are evolving, refining their tactics and building towards future success.
Ireland has the talent and coaching ability to remain among the elite, but changes must be made.
The Six Nations exposed the flaws in the current Irish system, and the challenge now is to correct those issues before they become permanent obstacles.
Quinlan emphasized the need for change, stating, “They just haven't consistently been able to get to that level. The dominance isn’t the same.” The best teams are always innovating. If Ireland wants to stay at the top, they can’t afford to stand still.
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