Rugby League Coaching Manuals

By Ian Laybourn Sporting Life - After twice watching his side defy expectations to emerge top of their group, Ireland coach Andy Kelly is trying to ensure there is no complacency ahead of Monday's crunch clash with Fiji.

The Irish qualified for the last four by blowing Samoa away with a 34-16 win, a result which set up Monday's semi-final qualifier at Skilled Park.

Ireland are now fancied to set up a dream semi-final showdown with Australia at Sydney Football Stadium and Kelly admits he needs to rein in his players' confidence.

"We have got to go back to basics and concentrate on getting the hard work done before we can start dreaming about a semi-final against Australia," he said. "We don't want to get caught out by being complacent.

"We understand that the Fijians are a good side and, in qualifying, they have come through a similar route as ourselves, being unfancied and the surprise package.

"So, when we meet them, we want to make sure we go through the process without looking too far ahead."

After producing the outstanding result of the first round of games - a 42-6 rout of France - Fiji were brought back down to earth with an 18-16 defeat by Scotland, who gained their first ever World Cup win.

However, in Wes Naiqama, Jarryd Hayne, Semi Tadulala and teenage wing sensation Akuila Uate, Fiji have an array of natural talent and potential match-winners.

Kelly added: "We have looked at their games against France and Scotland and that will continue as we head towards the game to make sure the players are fully aware of the prowess of this Fijian side.

"Again we know there is going to be a challenge in terms of the physicality of the game but, having come through tough tests against Samoa and Tonga, that won't be a surprise to us.

"We've just got to make sure we are prepared to cope with whatever football they throw at us.

"The spirit in the camp is fantastic, the players really are a tight-knit group."

Ireland received good support in Parramatta for their group games and Kelly is confident the team's success in Australia will provide a fillip for the fledgling competition back home.

"We have all been blown away with the messages of support coming from back home," he said.

"When the players get a spare moment they go to the RLI website and get a real feel for the support and momentum being generated.

"Parents, friends and family are also keeping us abreast of the coverage coming through from back home and that support means a lot to us all."

Meanwhile, Nigel Wood, the Rugby Football League's chief executive, says plans are already in place to build on the success of Ireland and Scotland, with both set to join Wales and France in a qualifying tournament to play England, Australia and New Zealand in a Four Nations competition in Europe.