In his latest column in the Irish Times, Liam Toland reviews the autumn internationals, with a particular emphasis on Ireland's development.
"A week on and we’ve all had time to review the Kicking Series. The odds being stacked in the defences favour is the well-touted excuse. This, however, is too simplistic an explanation of the evolvement of rugby union.
"Our cousins in league have always valued the importance of defence, hence their involvement in our game. Add in the role of both the defending team at the breakdown, and then the referee and you can understand why coaches are forced into a kicking game.
"Try counts are down in all competitions. But again this should not be the barometer to our game. Five-pointers should not be allowed to dictate the rule book. TV executives will no doubt sweat the IRB into a more free-flowing game that will enhance ratings. Again this would be an error. The new breakdown rules can’t be blamed for the kicking game as way back in 2007 South Africa won the World Cup based on little else.
"Likewise, defence is not the problem. Leinster beat Harlequins back in April by one point. Leinster failed to score a try but held Harlequins out when it mattered. All the same they went on to beat Munster in the semi-final by three tries to none. Finally, they shared tries against Leicester in the final and won by kicking points. My point: Leinster were able to adapt to the opposition on three given days. Last weekend South Africa were not."
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