Craig Casey and Ross Byrne deserving of Italy start after finishing off France

How impressive was that?

It was back on the summer tour to Australia in 2018 when Ross Byrne won his Test debut for Ireland. Almost five years on, and after a cameo comeback against the Aussies in November, it feels like Ross Byrne has finally arrived in international rugby.

There was a moment, on Saturday, when I was driving to the Aviva Stadium that a thought crossed my mind. In terms of Ireland vs. France, it was the first dark thought that crept in all week.

‘We’re going into a Test against France,’ I mused, ‘with a front row of Porter, Herring and Bealham, and we’re still favourites… and I’m still not worried.’

What conjuring had Andy Farrell and this Ireland team set upon so many of us? France were coming to Dublin on a 14-game winning streak – stretching back to July 2021 – they were the reigning Grand Slam champions and a side littered with world-class talent. Ireland were also without Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Jamison Gibson Park, Robbie Henshaw and Andrew Conway.

I caught up with James Downey an hour before kick-off and tried to articulate this sense of calm, and trust, I had in this Ireland team. ‘Maybe it’s because they’ve proved so many times in the last year that I’m starting to really believe in them,’ I told Downey. “These lads are the real deal,” he replied, “Andy has them all stepping up.”

Craig Casey has been in and around the Ireland camp for the past two years so he knows what Andy Farrell is demanding of his players. Ross Byrne has been in and out of the squad but he snatched his chance last November and looks to have locked down the deputy role now.

Ross Byrne and Craig Casey finish off France

Johnny Sexton could not continue beyond the 48th minute after giant France tighthead Uini Antonio landed in a heap on him. The Sexton of old may have even tried to somehow grit out another 10 or 15 minutes – Ireland led by six points at this stage – but there is a growing faith in Ross Byrne.

His Leinster teammate strode on and, for the remainder of the game, looked at home as he heckled and cajoled his pack around the park and linked up with his backline to punch some holes.

Craig Casey arrived on the scene after 56 minutes and the pair looked well at ease with each other. Byrne told stand-in captain James Ryan he wanted to kick for goal when Ireland had a penalty inside the French 22. It was the wise call as Ireland were held up several times, over the tryline, by stout French defence and his simple kick stretched his side’s lead to nine points.

Although Thomas Ramos nailed a drop goal, soon after, the Irish half-backs managed their winning position excellently. They parried and prodded but they truly revelled in pining the French back into the corners. Both men pulled off devilish kicks in behind and France were back to the foot of the mountain, looking up. Byrne, after his kick, was all Sexton in his shouts of organisation and encouragement. He was enjoying himself out there. So was Casey.

We now go into a down week in the tournament, after England entertain Italy at Twickenham, and some Irish players may even be released back to their provinces for United Rugby Championship minutes.

Andy Farrell will not make wholesale changes for the next match, against Italy, but four or five lads will be pressing hard to start. Iain Henderson and Jack Conan may come into the pack, with Rónan Kelleher in contention too.

We would love to see Farrell keep the rest of the Irish backline in tact but start them with Casey and Byrne at 9 and 10. Give them starts with a strong XV around them and it should benefit us come the World Cup.

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