IRELAND WINGER ANDREW Conway expects Andy Farrell to make a smooth transition to the role of national team head coach when he takes over from Joe Schmidt after next year’s World Cup in Japan.
Following the New Zealander’s much-anticipated decision to step down at the end of his current contract with the IRFU, Farrell was immediately unveiled as his eventual successor.
“I’m sure he’s been thinking about that [head coach role] for a while. Joe has put massive onus on the leadership group, and the coaching group that he has around him, to be all on the same page,” Conway remarked.
“He’ll be driving the defensive side of it and I’m sure he knows an incredible amount about attack, because that’s what he’s trying to marshal on a week-to-week basis.”
Before replacing Les Kiss as Ireland defence coach, Farrell held a four-month advisory role with Munster.
It was there that Conway first got a taste of the Wigan man’s methods — which proved to be an eye-opening experience for the 27-year-old.
“Andy has probably got a specific way for wingers and fullbacks that he wants you to work. It is tough to adapt to that. It does take a while and it’s just repetition after repetition. Especially in the back-three, everyone knowing what the other guy is doing. I need to be able to look back and see where the 15 is.
“It’s tough working with Andy because he’s got such standards, but you see the benefit of it that comes out in the defence. Obviously keeping New Zealand try-less is pretty special. He’s done that a few times and been involved in huge victories over New Zealand. He’s definitely doing something right.”
While Farrell’s coaching style may be defined as unique, the same could be said of the man who has navigated the Irish team since the autumn of 2013.
A haul of three Six Nations titles, a Triple Crown and a Grand Slam (not to mention the memorable Test successes over the All Blacks) speaks volumes for the work Schmidt has done in the national set-up.
38 of Conway’s 42 caps for his native Leinster were under the guidance of the Kiwi, who has played a huge part in his progression to the international stage.
“Working with Joe, he’s different to any other coach. The level of detail that he goes into, as you guys are well aware of from us all saying it, is just second to none. He’s got his own specific style. To play under him, you have to realise what that style is. Fit in first is probably the key thing. Fit in to the way the game is played. Fit into what you need to do as a winger, as a fullback.
“What is expected of me going around the pitch. Rucking, high ball. It’s being consistent across the board. Once you do that, you can try and stamp your own mark on games. There’s a fine balance, but he’s been incredible. We’ve got him for another 10, 11 months. We’ll enjoy that hopefully while we can.”
After grabbing a hat-trick in Ireland’s facile November Series win over the USA last Saturday, Conway returns to the Munster fold for tonight’s Pro14 encounter with Edinburgh at Musgrave Park.
He also has a healthy strike-rate at provincial level this term (three tries in six appearances), but Conway is hoping his all-round game can prosper during a busy window for Johann van Graan’s side.
“I’m playing alright, but I want to get involved in the team’s carries and setting lads up,” he added.
“Not just getting out there, getting the ball when it comes to my wing and chasing a high ball when it’s a box-kick on my side. I want to go out and put my stamp on games. If I can continue to do that, then I think I’ll be playing the best rugby of my career.”
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Could well be a starter by the time the WC comes around.
I’ve rated Conway highly for quite a while.
@John Thomas: At the expense of who?
@grandslamkbo: Tadhg Furlong
@John Thomas: not a chance.
@John Thomas: Yep, he is a fine player. Pretty much has everything in the locker
@Johnny Holmes: Sadly.. Keith Earls
Determined, skilful, confident, smart & reliable in defense as well as attack. If you played Top Trumps with Larmour, Addison & Conway as your cards – I’d say Conway wins. There’s a bit of dog in him & that’s no bad thing
@Jonathan Meany: agreed
@Martin Quinn: In the match 23 I think it’s between Addison, Conway & Larmour for the reserve outside back spot. Its close between them but I think Conway sneaks it. Granted he’s had a longer career than Larmour & been more visible over the last few years than Addison but everything weighed up I’d go with Conway. BTW none of them are bad options.
@Martin Quinn: sadly Keith Earls. However with Earls dropping into the 23 shirt he can cover wing, fullback, centre! I think Conway is just too good and really starting to hum.
After one good performance against the US people are making him out to be a world beater. He scored two run ins and one of his tries he did start off. The same people hauling Conway up or the same people saying that larmour only did it against the Italians …
@Paul Pogba: yeh, he is certainly nothing special. should make the squad but won’t start or be on the bench for the big matches
@Fred McHugh: Actually you have to be quite special to be in the squad nowadays ! I get the impression that he’s such a good, disciplined team player that he has reined in his ambition in the recent past (including not risking cards competing so hard for kick chases) to the extent that he didn’t get very involved vs Italy in Chicago, missed a bit of a chance on a day when the ball flowed right-to-left to Larmour and to Addison at #15 and then realised / was told that he had to raise his ambition – which he did to good effect and will now do for Munster.
He’s a very canny, fast and brave defender too so could do well at #15 under JS / Farrell if the chance arose but that didn’t save him from the chop when our pundits selected their 31-man squad yesterday ! Anyway, a year is a long time in rugby.
@Fred McHugh: you’re a loser
Why argue about Irelands WC squad and would conway make it or not, injuries are likily to have a big say in how the squad will be made up. Its unlikely everyone will be fit come the WC and that will have a big impact on who travels or not.