JOE talks to Andrew Trimble about the new Ireland jersey, the Springboks and which Movember ‘taches to watch out for

With the new, and very cool, Ireland alternate rugby strip launched by PUMA today, JOE met up with Andrew Trimble for a chat.

JOE: Well Andrew, the new Ireland jersey is very slick. Did you ever think you would be an (almost) All-Black?

Andrew: Yeah, they are pretty cool alright. I think it’s a really cool idea. It’s amazing that nobody knew anything about it until today.

JOE: When England launched a black jersey, they weren’t happy in New Zealand. Do you expect some angry Kiwis with this?

Andrew: I think that was at the World Cup so I don’t think they will be upset about an Autumn International. Hopefully we won’t annoy them ayway!

JOE: You will be facing the Springboks in the shirts, what’s it like to play them? Are they much different from Northern Hemisphere teams?

Andrew: I have only played against the Springboks once, in 2006, and it was a long time ago, but we won that game easily, we dominated them [Ireland won 32-15 at Lansdowne Road on November 11, 2006]. We dominated them physically too that day, which is unusual playing the Springboks. I expect the physicality to be through the roof in the game, that’s what they do.

They are very direct, very straight running, their game plan is very straightforward so if you combat those things you have a good chance of winning the game.

JOE: Any special memories of that 2006 game?

Andrew: I was chatting to Ruan Pienaar (South African now plying his trade with Ulster) last week and I found a picture of me handing him off in that game to score a try. He didn’t think it was that funny.

Trimble enjoying his day against South Africa in 2006

I also remember Denis Leamy, who was Number 8, playing out of his skin. We ran in four tries and I felt like I was playing well and I was imposing myself. I really enjoyed it.

JOE: And how is the mood in the Irish camp heading into this game?

Andrew: The mood is very good. We’ve been together since Sunday night and we’re staying together all week. We’ve got a good bit of work done and we'll maybe take it easy at the weekend and ramp up for game week next week.

JOE: And do you think the Ulster lads can translate their superb provincial form into the Irish team?

Andrew: I think so. We’re going very well. Winning is a habit and fortunately we have it at the minute. I think when you’re in that bubble it becomes hard to lose and that’s the way we are right now. We have the winning culture and that’s great; it breeds more and more confidence, for the team and for individuals.

JOE: Speaking of individual performances, it’s Lions year. Do you think about it at all?

Andrew: It’s in the back of your head but there is an awful lot of rugby to be played before then. It’s a goal and an aspiration but it is a long way away. You achieve that goal by achieving smaller goals along the way so I’m just looking ahead to the next game, hopefully against South Africa.

JOE: And the Autumn internationals also means the sight of most of the Irish rugby team sporting fine moustaches as part of the Movember campaign. Are you growing one this year?

Andrew: I’m not doing it this year. I’ve done it the last couple of years and my moustache is just really bad, really embarrassing so I’m skipping it this year.

The Trimble 'tache that others have to live up, or down to, this year

JOE: So whose top lip should we keep an eye on this year as the Autumn Internationals progress?

Andrew: Tom Court, Paddy Jackson and Craig Gilroy. Paddy’s and Craig’s moustaches may be even worse than mine. Tom’s will be a high standard. Jamie Heaslip had a good one last year and there should be some other good ones knocking around this year too.

JOE: We’ll keep an eye out. Cheers Andrew.

Andrew: No bother, cheers.

The new jersey will be available from all good sports retailers from today. The jersey will be sold in three versions - match jersey €90, replica jersey €66 and replica kids €45.