Garry Ringrose (IRE) - 'You have to expect the unexpected'

Comments from Ireland centre Garry Ringrose as they prepare to face New Zealand in the quarter-finals at Stade de France on Saturday, 14 October.

Garry Ringrose, centre

On how he found ending up on the wing in their last match against Scotland:

“It certainly wasn’t easy. There was once or twice when I was roaring to Mack [Hansen] on the sidelines because I had forgotten one of the roles the winger is supposed to do. We are challenged as backs to be across everything detail-wise. So with Stu [McCloskey] stepping in, myself and [scrum-half] Jamison [Gibson-Park] going to the wing, it was part of the challenge. It was a tough old game considering the quality of Scotland’s attack and their organisation defensively. We had to be physical and at our best to break it down. Feeding off the energy of the others around me helped.”

On how often he would run on the wing during training:

“I suppose frequently enough in training.  Very often some guys might be managed load-wise so we would be encouraged to try out different positions so we are across the detail. To fully understand how something works, you have got to be aware of what people are doing around you, as well as your own role. It helps if you have done reps in a certain position during the week, as well as the general understanding and expectation we have of each other.”

On whether Saturday is the biggest ever test match for Ireland in their rugby history:

“It’s a big question. I don’t want to say no because we’re well aware of what’s at stake. But how we look at it is it’s an opportunity to do something no other Irish team has done. We can’t control the result or the outcome but we can control how well we prepare. Off the back of the win last week, once we found out who we were facing, it was pretty much all hands on desk to prepare as best we can, because against a side of New Zealand’s quality, that is what it takes.”

On the defensive challenge in the 13 channel against New Zealand:

“Rieko [Ioane]’s ability and footwork at the line, his speed, skills in contact, being able to keep the ball alive, for a start. Then you have the Barretts [Jordie and Beauden] as well, who are exceptional readers of the game. They have played multiple positions across the backline, which is testament to their ability, without even talking about the wingers and the dangers they have there. You have to be alert to everything, it is almost mental fitness as much as physical fitness. There’s no moment to switch off, you’ve got to expect the unexpected and if they do catch you, you have to react and scramble as best you can.”

On whether he played any soccer [football] when he was younger:

“I used to play rugby on a Saturday for the school, and I didn’t tell the coaches but I played soccer on a Sunday, for St James Athletic in Dublin. It was nothing serious, just with a couple of mates and a few of the dads coaching.”

On the influence of Joe Schmidt on the All Blacks over the last year:

“They have probably levelled up a bit in their attack, with Joe and a couple of the other coaches. From my own experience, and knowing the quality of coaching he delivers, they have definitely improved - their ability to take on the line, some of the tight shapes they run, their kicking games. These are things New Zealand have always been good at but the past four games have definitely reinforced that.”

On how last year’s New Zealand tour was designed to replicate the World Cup:

“Maybe it is not just the tour to New Zealand but the challenge across the Six Nations and November series is to always be adaptable from an individual perspective. Whether that is [flanker] Josh [van der Flier] throwing in at the lineout [against Scotland in this year’s Six Nations], or [scrum-half] Jamison [Gibson-Park] playing on the wing [against Scotland last week], we are always challenged in that respect.  There is some logistics stuff around moving hotels week to week or training ground facilities varying. But Faz [Andy Farrell] always says there is a no excuse mentality. There is a level of expectation to deliver when we’re training, regardless of any circumstances. That’s something that has been consistent for the last four years.”