THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE went and Jack Conan soaked it all in. The Ireland back row had been a long time waiting for this. The birth of his daughter, Remi, saw him sit out last year’s summer tour to South Africa before a hamstring problem ruled him out of the November Tests.
Now he was back and in thick of it, making a series of impactful plays in a 30-minute outing off the bench in Ireland’s 27-22 defeat of England. To make such a positive, winning return made what came next all the sweeter. Saturday allowed Conan experience a moment he’d long imagined, as seven-month-old Remi attended an Ireland game for the first time.
“It’s huge, It’s something I always thought about, something I loved when I was younger, other lads having their kids there and to finally have that be me and have my daughter there was incredible,” Conan said.
She’s gone to two Leinster games and I got injured in both of them and came off early, luckily she’s started off well in the green jersey.”
Conan was central to a significant effort from the Ireland bench, with the Leinster player, Dan Sheehan and Jack Crowley all making a case to start against Scotland at Murrayfield. When it’s put to Conan the impact from Ireland’s reinforcements was similar to that of South Africa’s ‘bomb squad’, he stops short of revealing the label Leinster have put on their own power-packed bench this season.
“It was a different name for it, not a bomb squad, I’ll have to come back to you on that one. RG [Snyman] and Jacques [Nienaber] were driving that one, so I can’t remember what it was called. It’s slip my mind at the moment, maybe it’s not PG enough to say!”
The back rower’s first involvement was a lineout win moments after entering the action. It helped settle him into the game and soon he was carrying hard and throwing his body into English jerseys, finishing with five punchy carries and seven tackles.
The pick of the bunch was his break which kick-started the move for Ireland’s fourth try, finished by Sheehan. Conan peeled off a lovely slip pass from Sheehan inside his own half and surged forward to carry Ireland to the England 40. As the space opened up before him, Conan had just two England defenders between him and the tryline, but never thought about going for glory himself.
Absolutely not! I don’t have that in me. You have to know your limitations. A piece of me did think that if I chip it over him and catch it it will look incredible. But I’d never done that before and that probably wasn’t the time to do it.”
Instead the move was emphatically finished by Sheehan in the corner, the hooker getting his hands on the ball three times during the play – releasing Conan, firing a sharp pass wide to Lowe and then taking the return to score in the corner. It was real quality from a player who only recently returned from an ACL injury.
“He’s worked so hard and was off doing boxing and other things for his footwork,” Conan explained.
“He was rehabbing in the early hours of the morning and then come back in later in the day for double sessions. He is in the best shape of his life and running incredible speeds having not run for such a long while.
“More than anything it’s his mentality. When you’re not playing for such a long period of time it is so hard to just come back and hit your straps off the bat. He had the 60 minutes for Leinster against Stormers last weekend and now this and it’s like he was never away. That is such a difficult thing to do.
“I’m actually underselling it to say he just rocked up and did that. The mental and physical work is unreal. I don’t think there’s many athletes in any sport could do that. I think he’s a bit of an outlier in that.”
It all fed into a hugely positive day’s work for the squad, who improved on their frustrating November outings while suggesting there is still more to come.
Conan felt he could see a big performance coming as the squad prepared for the tournament at their pre-Six Nations camp in Portugal, referencing the play that led to Tadhg Beirne scoring Ireland’s third try.
“One of the moves we ran there, where Lowey makes the break up the middle, didn’t work at all during the week. I said it to Robbie [Henshaw], ‘I guarantee that will work in the games’ because when you are training, lads that know what is going to happen (and) they will cover that space.
“Lowey bursts up the middle, Beirney is on his outside and gets in so the training has been really difficult over in Portugal. We enjoyed our time off and it is important to build the connections because you have a long period of time without seeing each other and there is always new people coming in.”
Next stop, Murrayfield. There will be calls to promote some of the Ireland bench to the starting team, but Conan just wants to be involved in any way he can.
“I’d carry the water if I felt I could make a difference for the team,” he added.
“I’m glad I got a decent stint. When you’re coming off the bench, you want an opportunity to make an impact and other than getting smashed into touch by Cadan Murley I felt like I did well. Lads were giving me savage abuse for that after, Lowey in particular.
“I absolutely loved it. I hadn’t played (for Ireland) since 16 March last year. Eleven-odd months.
“I was unbelievably excited to get back. It’s so special, the group, the atmosphere, the culture, it’s incredible. It’s something that’s been honed and orchestrated by the management, Si, Faz, everyone. Paulie, Fogs, Goodie, Catty as well and it’s just a special place to be.
“I’ve been bouncing in every day. It’s an incredible privilege. When you get a bit older, you realise that probably most of your good days are behind you. I just want to make the most of every chance I get and I feel like I did that today, which was important to me.”
Good news – I think Nash would have been a very able replacement for Hansen but we need Bealham. Orherwise with both Furlong and O’Toole out, we’re essentially down to fourth and fifth choice TH in our match day squad which is not a good place to be as Scotland are no mugs in this area.
@Michael Corkery: I mean it says a lot of what they think of Nash when he was fit all of November and didn’t get a single minute. Would much rather getting Osborne in there if Hansen was to drop out, but Tbf Hansen didn’t do bad last week.
@Eoin H: that’s rubbish, Nash is very unlucky not to be starting ahead of Hansen. Osbourne is a centre or fullback he’s just not a winger.
@chris mcdonnell: perhaps he doesn’t do the things the coaches value. Mack appears all over the place, provides links, and hits gaps off his wing. Only the coaches know 100% why they value him so highly. They can’t even be accused of Leinster bias unless his mum is part of some shadowy Leinster elite????
@chris mcdonnell: can’t read what Eoin said as I’ve muted him for spouting rubbish. In any case, when Hansen hasn’t been available, Nash has been next man in on a hat wing and has more than done his job. Playing ringrose st wing has only been considered as part of strategy in case of injury.
@Michael Corkery: injury during game and having cover
@Michael Corkery: I think Nash offers a good alternative to Hansen or Lowe. Whereas J Osborne is either centre or fullback. His brother would be better on the wings but he’s not there yet. Big fan of Nash (and Daly), Munster play much better when both are on the field.
Get them right for France, will need the extra beef
@adizlack93: I’ll predict now that Furlong in particular won’t reappear until the latter stages of the 6Ns if that.
It’s the same every season with the ‘in the mix’ followed up with ‘not available’.
@Stanley Marsh: Unfortunately I think we need to start planning for life after Furlong as it’s been an ongoing issue for some time now. A similar problem ended Jerry Flannery’s career after a number of attempts to come back. Huge loss as at his best there was none better and not just in Ireland.
@Stanley Marsh: Furlong is finished. Has been for few years now.
@TL55: wouldn’t the plan involve Tom O’Toole and Tom Clarkson? Jaeger perhaps? Any other options? Finlay has a couple of years left in him. Furlong himself is only 32, a year away on a farm might do him good
@TL55: The Medical side of things are way more advanced now then back then, plus there’s an argument Leinster have the best medical team in the world in terms of getting players back fit and maintaining their fitness.
@Ray Ridge: Everyone said the same about Murray when he had the serious neck/back injury but he came back to be a very important player for club and country. Expect Furlong to do the same
@adizlack93: Big difference between the 2 positions. Furlong is 32.
@Ray Ridge: There are many examples of props going well into their late 30s. Takes them far longer to develop that size & strength and losing pace isnt a worry. So, once again your argument makes no sense. Back to clown college Ray..
@adizlack93: and there are more examples of props in their 30s who are finished and done for. Unfortunately this is one of them, whether we like it or not.
@Ray Ridge: nothing you say has any credibility, its just negative speculation which is why everyone here takes the p1ss out of you
@adizlack93: and healy was wrote off too. The best thing would be for farrell not to bring him on the lions tour
@chris mcdonnell: I agree but if hes fit and firing by then, he goes I reckon
@jajosullivan@aol.com: That would look like the plan, however I don’t think any of them are really top class. Scott Wilson at Ulster has a higher ceiling imo. If he stays fit and gets enough game time he could be ready by 2027 WC.
@TL55: perhaps a bit early to be writing off 24 year-old, 13 caps at U-20 inc Grand Slam winner Clarkson, already 40+ Leinster caps and 3 Senior caps in his senior career?
I thought Tom O’Toole always played well for Ireland on the tight head. Jaeger might push on as Finlay has.
Didn’t know about Wilson, don’t watch much of Ulster. Good to have another young option who has also come through the U-20 system.
@Ray Ridge: quiet, bozo.
Are Scotland actually going to show up for once? We’ve been hearing the same thing from them for the last decade..
@Dave Moran: you can be a bit repetitive yourself Dave, in fairness.
@brian o’leary: ahahahahaha…I wonder if he realises he’s an eejit
Furlong was never coming back until France, shame about JMcC. I’d start the same pack but have Izzy on the bench (we don’t need Henderson’s bulk like we did vs Eng). Sheehan, Conan and Izzy (on for Ryan Baird to 2nd row) bring mega impact again at the 45/50 min mark. Also would like Baird to get a full 80
@Andrew Slazenger: Agreed, would love to see Izzy coming on in that super sub role.
Maybe now the pressure is off Easterby after that win he’ll go a bit more ambitious on the bench with Boyle and Izuchukwu over Healy and Henderson. Don’t expect any changes in the starting team.
It is the right decision. Even if both of them are fit, no harm to take two extra weeks, 30 minutes v Wales and full bore v France.
Cummings and Tuipolutu are much bigger losses for Scotland. This will be tight also. Scots to edge it.
@Ray Ridge: Hi Ray, once again I’m offering you the chance to put your money where your mouth is and prove all your doubters here wrong. Any amount of money you want and I’ll go against that prediction.
And don’t respond with some nonsense like “Already have the bet on” because everyone here knows that’s not true and you e used that excuse before. Time to put up or shut up.
@Ray Ridge: embarrassing
@Patrick Kennedy: Again, don’t worry about that pat. I’ve gone big on the handicap. Scotland with 6 point head start. I’m playing it safer with the handicap due to the absence of Cummings and Tuipuluto.
@Ray Ridge: Wow you’re incredibly full of it Ray. You’ll be telling us you backed Ireland after they win on Sunday. Embarrassing.
@Patrick Kennedy: No, certainly won’t be backing Ireland at those odds. Away from home against a dangerous Scotland. We will lose to Scotland sooner rather than later.
@Ray Ridge: You haven’t backed anyone because you’re full of s h one t, just like all your comments on this. Thankfully you’ll be shown up to be the clown you are by Sunday evening.
@Ray Ridge: How about something nice and simple, Ireland win and you don’t post for the rest of the six nations?
Let’s see if you can earn some respect for once.
@Barry Moran: The selective memory brigade are out in force today.
@Ray Ridge: If Finn is playing like he did against Italy the Scots will be in for a long afternoon, and that’s coming from someone who is a big fan
@J M: True, he needs to reign it in a wee bit.
@Ray Ridge: I remember you saying there was no doubt Ireland would lose to Scotland a few days ago. The closer we get to the game the more you’re hedging your bets it seems. Now you’re saying it’s going to be close
@Petter Sellberg: Yes, with Scotlands best 2nd row and best centre out, it’s a much closer game than I predicted earlier. Hence why I’m on Scotland plus 6. Still think Scotland will edge it.
@Ray Ridge: Hahahahahahahaha so you’re saying if Tuipulutou and Cummings were playing Scotland would beat us easily?! I’ve heard some absolute guff in my time but that’s up there!
@Ray Ridge: what country are you from pal?
@Ray Ridge: ireland have lost 4 times (NZ, SA, Eng, NZ) in nearly three years and in old money thats 4 times in 30 test matches. In that time you’ve been banging on about “changes needed”, an “overall of the squad”, “ireland on a downward trajectory”, and so on and so on, while also predicting ireland lose all these 30 games including (and I remember it well), ireland losing to scotland at the world cup, ( think that finished 32 – 12 or something like that ). Time to move on to another handle or app, nobody takes you serious around here.
Well let’s hope that POM or Izzy (preferred) are on the bench this time out.
@Con Cussed: As a confirmed Munsterman I hope it’s Izzy. We need to plan for the future. For both Henderson and POM their best days are behind them.
@TL55: again Baird, Prendergast, Izuchukwu, Ahern. How much planning do you want
@Con Cussed: Conan made a massive impact off the bench. Hope he stays there or takes 6 jersey
@Con Cussed: instead of Henderson? And have no lock cover? I think despite all the giving out, Henderson actually gave a good account of himself?
@TL55: people went mental when I said this about POM last week and that I was glad he wasnt picked, because it meant we were looking forward which is necessary 2.5 years from RWC
@TL55: How do you become a confirmed Munster Man? Is there a ceremony in Thomand Cathedral? ;)
@Paul Ennis: You marry your 2nd cousin
@Patrick Breen: Not sure what value he brought last week. Izzy is the better player/replacement on the bench. He can cover 4-6 too!
@jajosullivan@aol.com: Baird was the only one of those involved. We need to be looking at the others in the test arena not just around the training camp.
@Paul Ennis: Several pints in the bar on multiple occasions while giving at least one rendition of SUAF!?
@Paul Ennis: you’re born in South Africa
@TL55:
Ireland have established 25 yr old Casey, Crowley & Baird, Doris & Sheehan 26, Joe Mc is 23, Kelleher 27.
You can’t make too many changes and still compete at the highest level
The only member of the pack currently reaching the end of the line is PO’M. Baird can regularly play 6.
If any of the others need to play they’ve had caps, played U-20′s & Emerging Ireland been in camps. If you only have to slot one in they’ll manage. It would be different if the established players were injury prone but most are not so they are nearly always available.
This year Eng, Scot & France require established teams. With potentially 3 back-to-back wins in a France & England at home year, it would be a shame to experiment and slip up against Wales and Italy. Their time will come
@TL55: I do think that after this 6N with 3 back-to-back on offer with England and France at home we should go for it and play to win.
After that a break from summer tours to NZ, SA even Aus required, not starting the Autumn Internationals against any of the strongest teams.
The core of the squad is now established, we know exactly what they can do. Bring in the youngsters, pair them with the guys coming to the end of their careers. Give the guys test experience with a direct message to the public (who have a tendency to find fault) that this is about developing players not winning. Then bring the core back up to speed in the run up to the RWC.
Perhaps slightly cheaper tickets?
Expect the same 23 as last week. The same starting lineup. The team will be rotated for the Wales game, with, I expect Conan, Sheehan, He shaw, Osbourne and Crowley starting. Who starts at 10 against France will be determined by Crowley’s performance at that match. Nash deserves some game time. They should consider giving Izzy a game against Wales also.
No need to risk furlong or Mccarthy v a Scot’s pack. The scrum was good against eng despite a 35kg deficit in pack weight apparently. Try to get them fit for fr in 4 weeks. Ire need to keep that lineout functioning nicely on Sunday.
Why do I not have faith in our coaches about injuries any more will wait and see and hope I am proven wrong and Bealham and Hansen are fit .So looking forward to Sunday and a win come on Ireland