Jack Crowley

Jack Crowley, a 23-year-old representing Munster, is an emerging talent in Irish rugby. Despite limited international exposure with nine caps for Ireland, Crowley has showcased promising growth. He stepped in as Johnny Sexton’s backup during the recent World Cup, gaining valuable experience by coming off the bench three times, notably in a crucial pool-stage match against South Africa. Although he was unused in the quarter-final defeat to New Zealand, his trajectory suggests a future as a significant figure in Irish rugby. Crowley’s contribution to Munster, with 35 appearances and a pivotal role in their URC glory, highlights his potential. Known for his instinctive play, sharp footwork, and a physical presence reminiscent of Sexton, Crowley is considered a prime candidate to fill the void left by the retired legend.

Ross Byrne

At 28 years old, Ross Byrne from Leinster embodies patience and perseverance. Despite playing second fiddle to the legendary Sexton, Byrne has amassed a considerable 148 appearances, showcasing his commitment and dedication to his craft. His recent performances for Ireland depict a player eager to seize opportunities, albeit overshadowed by the rising talent of Jack Crowley. His injury ridden season has not helped his cause. Byrne’s consistency in stepping up for big games and his contributions during the Grand Slam campaign under Andy Farrell’s Ireland speak volumes about his potential to make a significant impact given the chance.

Ciarán Frawley

Ciarán Frawley, a versatile 24-year-old representing Leinster, stands out for his adaptability across multiple positions, including out-half, center, and fullback. Although he impressed Irish coaches during the New Zealand tour and secured his first cap at number 10 against Italy, Frawley faces limited opportunities in his preferred position at Leinster. His potential as an out-half is evident, but the challenge lies in securing regular playing time in the position to fully capitalize on his talent and convince the national selectors.

Joey Carbery

With 37 caps for Munster, 28-year-old Joey Carbery remains one of the most experienced out-halves available to Andy Farrell. Having previously featured prominently in Ireland’s victories, Carbery faced setbacks in 2023, missing out on the World Cup training squad and losing his place in Munster’s lineup. Determined to regain his former status, Carbery moves to France next season with a point to prove. His previous success and contributions to Ireland’s victories position him as a strong contender, aiming to reclaim his status as Sexton’s heir apparent.

Harry Byrne

Harry Byrne, 24, represents Leinster and was once earmarked as a promising talent by the Ireland setup under Andy Farrell. Despite showcasing potential during international debuts in 2021, injuries hindered his subsequent appearances for the national team. His recent focus has been on overcoming these setbacks and asserting himself within the competitive Leinster squad, where he contends with his older brother Ross Byrne. Harry aims to fulfill the potential Farrell identified, striving to secure a consistent spot in both his club and national teams.

Jack Carty

Jack Carty, the 31-year-old Connacht captain, possesses valuable experience despite recent exclusion from Farrell’s training squads. He previously earned ten caps under Joe Schmidt, including appearances in the 2019 World Cup. Known for his creativity and tactical acumen, Carty’s leadership skills have been instrumental in Connacht’s growth. Despite recent omissions, Carty’s determination to prove his worth remains unwavering, especially with the addition of JJ Hanrahan to the Connacht squad. His 200th cap for Connacht signifies his extensive experience and desire to demonstrate his quality on the field.

Sam Prendergast

At just 20 years old, Sam Prendergast is viewed as a long-term prospect with immense potential at Leinster. He showcased his abilities prominently with the Ireland U20s, contributing to their Grand Slam victory and reaching the World Cup final. Although his focus currently lies on establishing himself at Leinster, Prendergast’s maturity and talent for his age make him an intriguing prospect for the national team. As he navigates his path at Leinster among competitors like the Byrne brothers, his development and potential could earn him a closer look from Farrell’s coaching staff.

Billy Burns

Ulster’s 29-year-old out-half, Billy Burns, previously featured in the early days of Andy Farrell’s tenure, securing seven Ireland caps. Despite starting a Six Nations game against France and displaying promise, his last appearance dates back to a summer Test against Japan in 2021. With the emergence of 24-year-old Jake Flannery at Ulster, Burns faces the challenge of reigniting his form while contending with rising competition. His focus remains on delivering consistent performances and catching the eye of the Ireland coaching staff amid a pool of talented out-halves vying for national selection.

JJ Hanrahan and Jake Flannery look highly unlikely to feature but would be 9/10 on the list

The post List of Top 10 at Number 10: Irish Rugby Players at Out-Half appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

In a game where the home side scored 5 tries to one for the visitors, they dominated throughout the field before finally showing that domination on the scoreboard.

Centurion Keith Earls was among the try scorers to the delight of the home fans, while England’s Billy Vunipola, who was initially yellow-carded for a high tackle on Andrew Porter, saw a review of the tackle upgrade his card to red.

First Half

Though Ireland had a strong starting team, the usual high level of accuracy was missing in the opening half as the home side conceded 6 penalties.

The visitors opened the scoring through George Ford when he kicked a Tadhg Beirne conceded penalty. Kicking from slightly left of the posts, the Sale Sharks’ man slotted over just before the clock hit 5 minutes.

Try for Bundee

An attacking move from Ireland gave winger James Lowe possession with the New Zealand-born player gaining metres. He was strongly supported by Peter O’Mahony who found a lot of space in the centre of the English defence. The Corkman eventually off-loaded to the onrushing Bundee Aki, with the centre having space to comfortably make the try-scoring line. A Ross Byrne conversion from in front of the posts, put Ireland into a 7-3 lead approaching 10 minutes on the clock.

It’s all too easy as Ireland break through the England line with ease and Bundee Aki has a clear run. pic.twitter.com/YQHOo4fEGa

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

Mack Hansen failing to roll away gave England an opportunity to close the gap on the scoreboard on 25 minutes, but George Ford surprisingly struck it to the right and wide of the far post.

In spite of some unforced errors from Andy Farrell’s side during the opening half, Ireland made some good decisions on the ball and ran some clever lines in the dying minutes of that opening period.

Hansen finds Ringrose

With the energetic Mack Hansen, the Player of the Match, in possession of the ball on the far side of the pitch, he saw centre Garry Ringrose on the opposite end. A long, well-directed accurate kick from the Connacht winger found Ringrose who had enough to cross for Ireland’s second try of the half.

Byrne attempted the conversion from 40m out, and though he had the distance, he failed with accuracy and send the ball left of the far post and wide.

Great vision from Mack Hansen and Garry Ringrose touches down to give Ireland a 12-3 half-time advantage. Live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. pic.twitter.com/jmfbMSBJMD

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

With the teams heading to the dressing rooms for the half-time team talk, Ireland lead 12-3.

Second Half

James Lowe scored his 10th international try 15 minutes into the second half. With England down for 14 men following a yellow card for Billy Vunipola for a dangerous high tackle on Andrew Porter, England were stretched by the home side, and Lowe found himself in splendid isolation out on the wing. A fast pass to the winger saw him run in for his side’s third try of the game.

Ireland quickly make the most of their numerical advantage as James Lowe is left with an acre of space to walk in and touch down. Live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. pic.twitter.com/HkVQUbKPsX

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

Ross Byrne’s conversion attempt came back off the left post, leaving the Irish side with a 17-3 advantage.

It was then announced that the review panel had upgraded Billy Vunipola’s yellow card to red, meaning the Saracens’ man’s day was over.

The positive use of width and space brought more success for Ireland when claiming their fourth try of the evening. The industrious Mack Hansen touched down for his 7th international try, giving the scoreboard a more respectable look, and showing more accurately the difference between the two sides. Ross Byrne’s difficult day at kicking for the posts continued as he missed another attempt, leaving Ireland 22-3 ahead.

100th cap for Keith Earls

The loudest cheer of the day seemed to come on 60 minutes when Limerick’s Keith Earls became the 9th Irish player to win 100 International caps.

Here comes the centurion. Keith Earls receives a thunderous ovation as he replaces James Lowe to make his 100th appearance for Ireland. pic.twitter.com/x0NrFhhJhO

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

The loudness of that roar was bettered in the 73rd minute, however, when Earls dived into the corner to score the 36th international try of his career. His Munster comrade Jack Crowley converted from close to the touchline, giving Ireland a 29-10 victory.

What a moment! What a finish!

Keith Earls’ day just gets better as he goes over in the corner to blow the roof off the Aviva Stadium. pic.twitter.com/owLTS6018i

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

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