Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

To Byrne's credit (Ross's, that is), he likely would have made a far more dominant hit on Crowley there.

He made a couple of solid shots in the Samoa game, tbf.

Very good 👍

Dear Lord! blessed are the poor in spirit…

Crowley might well be Irelands saviour at this WC

Just enjoy if it comes to pass.

I wonder if that was part of their thinking when they played Murray-Crowley against Samoa...

Different players, same old sh*te. Opposing fans completely flipping their opinions on a player's style and what they bring to the game depending on what colour jersey they wear at provincial level.

They're both really good players who bring different things to the table. One is more naturally gifted physically, the other appears to be more reliable in the less tangible elements such as decision making or direction of those around him.

I think the RWC is probably a fraction to early for Crowley in terms of what the coaches are going to go with. I'd expect him to nudge ahead thereafter but it still isn't as clear cut as one would hope. Nor do I even think it's so clear cut that another outhalf wouldn't be able to make a claim on the Irish 10 jersey in the next 12 months. Neither of them are going to be in a conversation as a top level test outhalf any time soon. I doubt either would start for any other top tier nation as first choice right now. Byrne is far too static and lacks athleticism of any real note both in attack and defence. Crowley yields possession too often and can be patchy in his goal kicking.

I would imagine Byrne is going to be the preferred starter if Sexton is unavailable based on the comments we've heard from camp and the year to date. His ability to orchestrate things around him is just a fraction higher at this point. He directs things quite smoothly in multi phase play and is very aware of what is around him. It was evident in our tries against England particularly the Lowe try. It isn't eye catching but it's effective. It creates gaps around the field that can be exposed. It's not hugely dissimilar to Sexton (now that he offers little enough running threat too) in terms of pulling strings but obviously not at that level.

On the flip side, I'd worry about him against a rush defence. He simply doesn't have the agility or speed to sit closer to the line. With his style, if we get caught, we get caught 5-10m behind the ruck. England showed early on that we can be caught that way and have always managed to trouble us with that style. If he's on against SA, our pack will need to have a huge game in the collisions as we can't be getting back foot ball.

Crowley is better equipped to face that type of defensive line. His mobility can help him get out of trouble as well as allowing him to take the ball on himself. When he's playing confidently, he's a of real benefit. He has a very nice arcing running threat outside the opposition 10/12 channel when the 12 is drifting. But he needs to be more judicious in how he uses his carrying ability. If it's getting nailed and recycling, so be it rather than becoming isolated or having the ball dislodged against a big defender.

Goal kicking could be the point of difference for the key decision. I don't think anyone would be surprised to see a game come down to a kick or two so we'll need every point on offer. In that respect, Byrne has the edge. Generally, he's an 85% kicker whilst Crowley is probably more in the 70-75% bracket (URC site says 68% but I'm fairly sure that's out of date).

With that said, I'd almost expect Crowley to be in the 22 jersey. Historically, we select a centre at 23. The presence of Carbery facilitated that given his ability to play 15. Crowley has a similar ability and has featured there a couple of times in the last few weeks which I don't think is a coincidence. It will allow us that level of flexibility. If Byrne was 22, we'd be in something of a pickle if Keenan or Lowe were to be injured.

Overall, given the level of churn we've had in the back up jersey over the last 3 years, I wouldn't be surprised for either or neither to be our first choice 10 two years from now but they've every opportunity to grab it.

+1

Looking at the age profile of the Irish team, this will probably be the last World Cup for 20 of the 33 man panel. Having said that, you wouldn't have expected Sexton to make this World Cup.

Amongst those who could make the next WC are Sheehan, Kelleher, Ryan, McCarthy, Doris, Baird, Casey, Crowley, O'Toole, Byrne, Ringrose, DeFlier and Keenan

The sooner this World Cup starts the better.

Frawley won't have the reins for the 6nations.

Yep agreed, but that doesn’t fit the narrative of the post.

I think Crowley will be number 1 outhalf by the Scotland game.

He has started 2 of the warm up games and came on in the 3rd. He has performed better in the last 6 months than Ross with an inferior team around him.

Unfortunately this world cup is at least 12 months too late for Sexton. Personally I can't see sexton staying fit no matter how the irish team manage him. He's just too old.

Didn't he even have to sit out 2 training sessions last week when he is not even playing matches.