Crowley was impressive off the bench once again for Ireland
“I suppose I was, you’re always expecting a 10 that’s on the bench to come on to 10….. I’m sure Jack would have been more pleased if he had come on at 10.”
These comments from Munster’s attack coach – and head coach of Ireland ‘A’ this weekend – Mike Prendergast, came after Ireland’s Six Nations win over Scotland at Murrayfield two weeks ago.
They added to what was a negative reaction for some towards the decision to bring Jack Crowley on at fullback, after 64 minutes.
It was a surprising choice. After all, Crowley was a game-changer off the bench at 10 in the last two games, against Australia and England, and has only started one professional game at 15 – away to Leinster in 2022.
But with Ireland comfortably ahead by 29-11, and Sam Prendergast having his best game in green, unleashing the dual-playmaking option made sense.
Unfortunately we did not see the full fruits of this tactic, as the game became scrappy, and the Scots had a mini resurgence in the dying embers.
But there were glimpses of the advantages it provides.
In the first clip, Prendergast is occupied in a ruck, but with Crowley on the pitch, Ireland still have an out-half on hand to dictate play.
Scotland are well numbered in defence, and it is not a great call to go out the back to Crowley, but as he likes to do, he shows off his footwork and strength, and his side don’t lose much ground.
Again, it is not ideal having your playmaker under a pile of bodies, but Prendergast is on hand to conduct.
Scotland get a great hit on Cian Healy, and the ball is shuffled back to Prendergast who puts up a contestable for James Lowe, and Ireland end up with a scrum.
Not a classic example of dual-playmakers working in tandem to scythe through a defence, but it meant that Scotland were consistently presented with a different picture, and were forced to deal with a creative decision from one of Crowley or Prendergast at every phase.
Back to Crowley and his role in the backfield.
With Mack Hansen injured, the Munster man was the designated fullback cover, and despite his lack of experience in the position, the management had the confidence that not only would he not be a liability, but that he could add a positive impact.
And with his first touch of the ball they were proven right.
With barely any time to get a feel for the game, Crowley comes from deep and makes up a lot ground to take a high ball under pressure.
Not to be content with his best impression of Hugo Keenan, he follows through to make some hard yards while receiving attention from three Scottish forwards.
It was also a moment that epitomised Ireland’s greater hunger, accuracy, and desire throughout the 80 minutes.
Of course, we have already seen Crowley at centre. He started there for his province six times during their 2022/23 URC winning season, back when they had rich depth at out-half, with Ben Healy and Joey Carbery on the books.
And just last month he showed his prowess at centre, outside Tony Butler in a Champions Cup cameo against Northampton, after dominating most of the game at 10.
Crowley is now viable as 10/12/15 cover, and opens up the 6/2 bench split option without leaving him out of the 23.
Ireland experimented with the tactic three times during last year’s Six Nations, with Ciarán Frawley – who has the most experience across 10/12/15 – providing the cover.
And while this appears dismissive of Frawley, out-half is the most crucial of the three positions, and Crowley is ahead in that regard.
Currently, Ireland are well suited to the 5/3 split, with world class options for the No 23 jersey in Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Stuart McCloskey, and Jamie Osborne.
And given the way Ireland’s midfielders play like extra back rows, it feels close to a 6/2 split.
However, with Aki nearing 35, and the likes of Cormac Izuchukwu, Tom Ahern, Brian Gleeson all making waves, the 6/2 split may be the favourable option next season.
But why stop at 6/2 (apologies to Matt Williams)?
If a 7/1 split is good enough for South Africa to win a World Cup final, then it should be looked at as a potential experiment for Ireland.
It takes a rare player to make this a viable course of action, but during a couple of brief moments close to the final whistle against Scotland, there may have been a sighting of this rare breed.
With replacement scrum-half Conor Murray engaged, Crowley takes up the mantle without hesitation. It’s a messy ruck, with Ben White all over him, but Crowley provides a clean platform for his pod of forwards.
Now with a taste for the No 9 life, he decides to cosplay again at the next ruck, despite Murray being available.
It is scrappy once more, as the ball squirts out behind him and between his legs. Again, Crowley is calm and accurate, stifling the threat of a knock on, and provides more quick ball.
It gave Ireland space to grab one more score before the final whistle, but a poor kick-decision from Robbie Henshaw brought an end to the game.
Many rue the plight of a jack-of-all-trades utility 10 – a la Ian Madigan or Frawley – but there is no danger of Crowley falling into this category, as he will be Munster’s first-choice out-half for many seasons to come.
Not only could his rounded talents add a new dimension to Ireland, it may help his chances with Lions selection after falling down the pecking order.
