RWC 10 Questions: Bernard Jackman
Bernard Jackman plays hooker for Leinster and Ireland, and was a Rugby World Cup tournament analyst on www.rte.ie.
1) Did the best team win? I don't think so. If Ireland weren't going to then I would have preferred New Zealand to win it, because they have set the standard in terms of attacking play over the last two years. Their defeat might encourage teams to play more of a kicking game in the future as teams like France, England and the winners South Africa used this tactic throughout the tournament.
2) How many teams should play at the RWC in New Zealand in 2011? I feel that the IRB should leave the structure as it is. The minnows performed better than anyone expected and even the likes of Portugal and Japan - althoguh they shipped some heavy defeats - both showed great passion and skill during the competition. Look at how hard Georgia and Namibia made life for us.
If they change the structure and limit the teams it will hamper the growth of rugby in these developing countries. The IRB need to continue to Fund top class coaching for these teams to help them prosper.
3) Who was the player of the tournament? For me it was Victor Matfield. He played exceptionally in every game and was man of the match in the final. The only player to come close to him was Argentina's Juan Martin Hernandez, but he had an off day in the semi against the Springboks.
4) What changes should Ireland make? This is the million dollar question. It's hard to fathom why so many of our key players would be out of form at the same time. However, as they say 'form is temporary, class is permanent' and I don't think big changes need to be made in terms of selection.
Maybe the first fifteen should have toured Argentina as due to injuries some of them hadn't played much rugby since April. Also, with the timing of the World Cup it may have been better to play some friendlies against the provinces rather than the game with Bayonne. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
5) What was the best match of the tournament? I thought the France v New Zealand game was a classic. It showed the value of impact replacements with Freddie Michalak sparking France into life. New Zealand did everything they could to get back into the game but with Dan Carter off injured they lacked a cool head to drop into the pocket and take a drop goal attempt.
6) What, if any, law changes, should be made? Something to discourage teams kicking away possession, which was an over used but successful tactic in the tournament. Maybe if you allowed defensive team to call a "mark" anywhere on the pitch it might distract teams kicking the ball.
7) How will RWC 2007 affect New Zealand? I hope it doesn't make the change the way they play, because it is brilliant to watch. However, with them being the hosts in 2011, the pressure on them will be immense and pressure can often make teams go into their shell and play very structured rugby. This will make New Zealand the same as all the other teams in the world, and could also, I feel, make them beatable.
8) Who was the best coach? Jake White for me. He built a very consistent and unified team despite a lot of disruption due to the political situation in South Africa. He coached his team during some very heavy defeats to New Zealand and Australia over the last two years but he never lost faith in his philosophies or players.
9) What are the Heineken Cup prospects for the Irish provinces? I think we can still be competitive in the Heineken cups despite all the Provinces being in tough groups. I know that Leinsters World Cup players have returned really hungry for success and desperate to play well and train hard. Our players are still up their with any in Europe and our poor performance in the World Cup may be just the motivation needed to bring domestic success.
10) What about Ireland's Call:
