The assessment from Brian O’Driscoll is that the Ireland squad, with a strong representation from Leinster, needs to make certain that Jack Crowley receives optimal support when they compete against the All Blacks in the upcoming match in Chicago.
The former captain of Ireland expressed that Andy Farrell’s player selection, which features 12 players from Leinster in the starting lineup, leans heavily in one direction. Only Crowley, Tadhg Beirne, and Stuart McCloskey are not part of the Leinster contingent.
“In my time with the Irish team, I never experienced such a significant presence of Leinster players,” O’Driscoll commented on Off The Ball. “It’s actually difficult to gauge how players like him [Crowley], Tadhg Beirne, or Stuart McCloskey feel, considering they are the only three starters not from Leinster.”
O’Driscoll noted that the province’s recent defeat at home against Munster, with a score of 31–14, “was quite a shock” and raised questions about whether it might indicate a wider decline in performance for both Leinster and Ireland.
“It seemed to diminish some of the momentum — causing us to wonder about our direction and whether a downturn is occurring,” he stated. “It could have been a one-off situation where Munster was simply more prepared, but the reaction from the Leinster players is what truly matters.”
The debate around the fly-half position has been intense since Sam Prendergast emerged, but it is Crowley — one of only two Munster players in the starting XV — who is tasked with the responsibilities at No.10 this weekend. O’Driscoll emphasized that Crowley’s teammates must ensure his protection and provide the necessary support for him to excel.
“James Lowe’s performance wasn’t at its peak, and Jamison Gibson-Park needs to reaffirm why he’s considered one of the best scrum-halves globally,” he remarked. “All these players need to ensure Jack is given every possible advantage, as he has earned it.”
“Everyone else has a responsibility to provide him with options, be his eyes on the field, carry the ball with strength, and ensure he’s in the correct positions, rather than being caught up in clearing rucks or making an excessive number of tackles.”
Despite Ireland’s recent success against New Zealand, O’Driscoll admitted he is “not anticipating” a victory this weekend but added that he wouldn’t be surprised if Farrell’s team managed to win once again.
“I’m very interested to see how the match unfolds,” he mentioned. “Even though we might not be expecting a win, or at least I’m not, it wouldn’t be shocking if they did achieve it — because it’s an Andy Farrell team, and they’ve consistently performed well for a considerable time. I simply hope there’s a sufficient platform for Jack to showcase his skills.”
