Reddan happy with Schmidt approach

New Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has already transferred his taskmaster management style to the international arena, Eoin Reddan believes.

Scrum-half Reddan served under Schmidt's Leinster reign before the former New Zealand school teacher succeeded Declan Kidney in Ireland's hot seat this summer.

Ex-Wasps half-back Reddan believes his Ireland team-mates from other provinces have quickly welcomed Schmidt's coaching methods - but have also felt the full force of the new boss' meticulous approach.

Ireland open their three-game autumn international series by hosting Samoa at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, before further Tests against Australia and New Zealand.

The autumn warm-up camp has been Schmidt's first tangible hands-on coaching opportunity, and 32-year-old Reddan admitted he has not wasted a second.

Reddan explained: "Obviously you are interested to know what they (players from other provinces) are thinking as it's going on.

"I would have definitely spoken to a few of them about it and they have all really enjoyed it.

"There has been a high intensity in training at all times. You know you finish a session feeling like you have done a lot of work.

"In that work there is a lot to be learnt mentally. Joe is very good at teaching people that as well as having high expectations of them.

"It is an important skill to be able to get across and teach what you are trying to teach as well.

"Everyone has enjoyed the first week together.

"Obviously it doesn't guarantee us anything in terms of a result, but I think we have put ourselves in a good position to progress this week."

Reddan has enjoyed being reunited on the training pitch with former Leinster half-back partner Jonathan Sexton - even if Racing Metro's new fly-half is still as grumpy as ever.

Praising Sexton for switching comfortably between the French Top 14 and Ireland's autumn preparations, Reddan continued: "I think he's coping with it well.

"Obviously there is different media interest than there is usually in terms of how everyone is looking at him, how is he, trying to watch if he sneezes on the way out to training.

"It's been good, similar enough to before, still cranky at times between us but it has been great.

"Obviously, we've a few good out-halves in the squad now, so I think it has been a good week for everyone but I've certainly enjoyed it.

"He's quite used to the way Joe runs things, so I think he has slotted back in quite well."