Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

One of the things in the Irish system, is players are slow coming into provincial teams from under age. Every year there'll be comment how the French or English U20's have much more senior experience than the Irish players. Whether that's from the limited number of pro teams or what. Players only establishing themselves on provincial teams at 23 or 24 or more is common.

"Johnny who?? Crowley is excellent"

"Ireland's new 10 looked pretty good. He didn't wilt under the spotlight."

Texts from some nonIrish friends of mine. It's interesting to me how less equivocal their praise is of Crowley, while the narrative in Ireland (from Nugent's closing thoughts on commentary, through to posts on here, through to broadsheet coverage) is defining him in a much different tone, i.e., "in spite of his mistakes", or "showed character to rebound", etc.

I don't know whether there is a disproportionate anxiety around replacing Sexton that is causing this. But in contrast, Joe McCarthy had at least two turnovers, but the narrative is only focusing on the positives. Rightly in my opinion.

For me, two young players had excellent games. McCarthy had the greater impact and was deservedly MOTM.

But in one case, Irish people are defining a player's contribution around his mistakes. In the other case, they simply praising how good a game he had.

Is it because McCarthy, in many respects, is a bonus? I.e., we already have very good depth at lock.

But the very existential issue of Ireland replacing its 10 is perhaps leading to scrutiny on Crowley that is perhaps not entirely fair.

A 23-year-old out-half just went to Marseille, played 80 minutes, and we beat France scoring five tries. Something, I feel, we should be a lot more excited about (positively) than we seem to be....

There was a point over the last year where this definitely not happening and the media, like the coaching group went all in on Sexton. Occasionally I listen to the Eggchasers podcast, this week they have some interesting comments on Ireland, Sexton, Crowley and McCarthy. I don't agree with everything they say and one is a self confessed Ireland hater but they were pretty complimentary on Crowley and McCarthy and bemoaned the decision not to sub Sexton in the ABs game at the world cup.

It beggared belief, a 38 year old at walking pace shuttling the ball on. And a young 10 high on confidence after slotting crucial drop goals en route to winning the league, away wins in South Africa etc. left idle on the bench.

Crowley is doing well alright.

Keeping things ticking over nicely til Prendergast takes over in a few years.

Really? The media for the last 24 months are gushing about Crowley at every opportunity.

24 months? At every opportunity? Jesus, I dunno if that's really accurate tho.

People are over reacting to Crowley's errors being pointed out. That takes nothing away form him in an otherwise excellent performance. All of his errors were just bad decisions and are easily fixed in a positive coaching environment which he has. And I think the main point many people are making is that his confidence and courage wasn't dampened by his mistakes. First 6N start away in France and he delivered a very accomplished performance. That is massive for Ireland going forward.

"It was a very encouraging performance from an inexperienced player at this level. In context I don't think it's overstating it to say it was an excellent performance but if he produced the same against England or Scotland I wouldn't be super thrilled" - is this not a complete contradiction?

I'd imagine most people would be delighted if he played to that level again? I know I would.

Pretty much to a man, nobody had a bad game in Marseille. In addition to Crowley, the particular standouts for me were McCarthy, Aki, Sheehan, Lowe, Doris and Beirne. Though only the former is filling the boots of a 120+ cap legend. So I wouldn't call it hysteria, more very enthusiastic optimism for what might lie ahead.

We'll need everyone on song again to beat England in Twickenham.