Easterby merits credit for mean Irish defence - Bernard Jackman
Bernard Jackman believes Simon Easterby deserves plenty of plaudits for the role he's played in shaping Ireland's defence on the road to the Grand Slam.
Andy Farrell's side clinched the Six Nations title and Grand Slam last Saturday by beating England and continuing the run of form that has left Ireland top of the world rankings off the back of successes like the landmark series win in New Zealand last summer.
One of the factors that's underpinned Ireland's form has been defence, with just a combined 10 tries conceded across the past two Six Nations campaigns.
Speaking on this week's RTÉ Rugby Podcast, Jackman was keen to stress the influence defence coach Easterby has had within the setup.
"I think Simon Easterby deserves big credit. I spoke to Garry Ringrose after the November series about Simon and he said he's phenomenal to work with," he said.
"We kind of get obsessed a little bit with the rugby league coaches, the Shaun Edwards, the Andy Farrells and Kevin Sinfields, but I think Simon Easterby, now he's gone full-time defence - obviously he was doing forwards and defence before Paul O'Connell came in - he's put his own shape on it.
"You need to be at an unbelievable fitness peak, more than any other team" Ian Keatley outlines the fitness levels that have underpinned Ireland's current era of success #rterugby #rterugbypodcast