Ireland struggled big time at the line out during the recent Rugby World Cup, and it was a defining factor in their quarter-final exit at the hands of New Zealand.
The lack of form in this area has seeped into the play of the provinces, as seen over the last number of weeks in both the Champions Cup and URC.
However, Leinster did manage to sort their line out for their win over La Rochelle, highlighting the importance of clean ball off phase.
Bernard Jackman Speaks On Issue With Ireland & Provinces
Speaking on the RTE Rugby podcast, Bernard Jackman spoke on Munster's issues on the weekend, and was particularly brutal in his assessment of Connacht and Leinster in their recent derby.
I'd have concern with all Irish province's line outs and scrum at the moment. And even when they played each other, like Leinster - Connacht, it looked like they met in the car park at times.
And that wasn't always the case, and now when they kick to the corner or the kick into the 22 you're not as confident as you would have been last year that they were going to get the first part.
Because I think Irish teams in general are pretty good at converting those 22 entries into points, but not if you lose the ball at source.
So there's certainly a bit of work to be done in that Munster's, I agree with you, so far this season has been quite erratic, and to be honest it was a big part of Bayonne staying in the game.
Munster's lineout problems came back to haunt them on Saturday... 🎯
But @bernardjackman says the lineout has been an issue for all four provinces this season.
🎧📺 Full pod: https://t.co/wOjUZ3cSiB pic.twitter.com/fHOvNNWKib
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 13, 2023
"And just Munster not being able to capitalise on some penalties to kick down the line," Jackman continued.
"You're sure they have a power play to get them on the front foot to allow them to get into shape, but it's not straight or it's stolen.
"So big, big work on for them obviously going away to Exeter, and they need to get that right quickly, and they have had some injuries at hooker and some chop and change as well.
"But as a whole, the Irish provinces I'd say are all focusing on getting that right. And that's an easier fix, like there's no reason why we all can't have quality line out.
"Scrum is not an easy fix, and personnel wise and size wise we may come up against teams who are naturally stronger there.
"And look, the Irish line out in in the World Cup wasn't firing on all cylinders, and that can happen, you just lose confidence and maybe we are all playing off similar patterns and we're getting a bit predictable.
"But the percentage is starting to drop significantly in terms of successful quality ball winning."
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