We hope Ronan O’Gara doesn’t try to take all the credit…
Back in October, Ronan O’Gara was quick onto Twitter to praise both Rory and Niall Scannell after Munster defeated Ulster in Belfast.
Rory Scannell had stepped up, late in the game, called the ball on himself and kicked the winning drop goal to add to the belief that the southern province were a force renewed.
Munster are big time back.. massive performance. The 2 Scannells have massive futures.
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) October 28, 2016
Niall Scannell made his Ireland debut in the Six Nations and his younger brother got his opportunity against the United States, last night. As fate would have it, O’Gara was part of the Ireland coaching staff for the whole of Rory Scannell’s big week.
Ireland easily dismissed the United States 55-19 and handed out debuts to Scannell and four others – Dave Heffernan, Jacob Stockdale, Andrew Porter and James Ryan – in the process.
Scannell may have been hoping to impress at inside centre but an injury sustained by Joey Carbery saw him drafted in as outhalf. He had a fine game, kicking two conversions, making four handy carries and landing four tackles.
The 23-year-old’s best contribution, though, was a superb cross-field, wiper kick that set up a simple try for Munster teammate Simon Zebo. Sizing up the space out wide, Scannell lofted a perfect kick that gave all the advantage to the attacking side.
With a running start, Stockdale lept higher and attempted to clutch on. He could not make it stick but the ball slipped back to Zebo for the simple try.
Scannell then proceeded to lap over a super touchline conversion.
75: TRY! @USARugby 19-55 @IrishRugby.
ZEBO!!! What a pair of kicks from @Munsterrugby's Rory Scannell here! #USAvIRE pic.twitter.com/WgQmiQJETm— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 10, 2017
Paddy Jackson is also in the touring squad but, on the strength of his substitute showing, it may well be worth looking at Scannell in a 10 jersey in one of the Tests against Japan.
