Smal talk to boost Irish bid for glory

Former South Africa assistant coach Gert Smal revealed he has been recounting his memories of a successful World Cup campaign in 2007 to boost Ireland's hopes in New Zealand.

Smal, who was Jake White's right-hand man as the Springboks claimed the Webb Ellis Cup four years ago, joined the Irish squad as forwards coach in June 2008 and has been a key member of Declan Kidney's staff in the build-up to RWC 2011.

"I have tried to share as much as possible of my 2007 World Cup experience with Declan and the management as well," he said.

As well as contributing his own observations and know-how, one of Smal's first acts in the job was to arrange a meeting between his new boss and former one.

"Right back at the beginning when I joined Ireland, I organised for Declan to sit down with Jake. Jake had to come in (to Ireland) for an IRB meeting and I just organised for them to see each other at the airport.

"It was just a quick in and out, maybe an hour, two hours. They sat down and went through everything, which I think was a good thing."

Smal said the meeting helped Kidney get Ireland's preparation "spot on" and he sees similarities between the world champions and the current Irish squad.

"There was this bond that made them (the Springboks) very strong."

"I think that helped quite a lot and that same bond I can detect here. We've got a lot of leadership and you can feel that there's something special there with these players."

Ireland open their RWC 2011 campaign with a Pool C clash against USA in New Plymouth on Sunday, 11 September.