In an exclusive chat with BoyleSports, former England fly-half Andy Goode has unveiled the game-changing impact of Jack Crowley to Ireland.
Goode gives us his analysis of what Crowley brings to this Irish team that Sexton didn’t and the way in which Ireland’s attack has evolved as a result.
He also tells of how he was left in awe at the size and power of one young Irish player who has made a massive mark in this year’s Six Nations.
Jack Crowley Brings A Running Game That Sexton Didn’t Have
The immense thing about Jack Crowley is he is not even in the Leinster set up either, so imagine how smooth the transition would have been had he been a Leinster player. All credit to him because he is hugely talented and has the biggest of boots to fill.
Trust me, I have been in the position where Jonny Wilkinson was the Johnny Sexton of my generation in terms of importance and achievements. Anyone who tried to play in his absence was just seen as 'not Jonny Wilkinson.'
There has been a progression by moving away from Johnny Sexton, who was one of the best fly-halves in the world for the last decade, but there had to be a change of the guard after his retirement.
*Jack Crowley will start at fly-half for Ireland against England in a game that the Irish are 1/5 favourites to win per the latest rugby odds at BoyleSports.
I'm not going to say he is a better player than Johnny Sexton, because that's not fair, but he has got a running game to his skillset that perhaps Johnny did not have. He has fitted in seamlessly because this Ireland team knows how to attack.
They all understand their roles and responsibilities within their attacking structure, they are all multi-skilled regardless of position. You look at the props and the tight five, they all have that ability to carry hard, use footwork before contact, make metres after contact and they have got a clear strategy on how they attack.
They are such a well-oiled machine that has clearly spent a lot of time on their attack, in complete contrast to what we are hearing about the England camp. It all comes from the coaching and the leadership on the field and Crowley has fitted in seamlessly.
For the past four years, there would be a massive void when Johnny Sexton didn't play previously, but there has not been a drop off at all. It helps that he is in a world class team, but he has risen to the challenge and done exceptionally well.
*Ireland are 4/11 to win a second consecutive Grand Slam according to the latest rugby betting at BoyleSports.
'F*** me look at the size of him!’ – Goode On Ireland’s Big Joe
I've had my eye on him for a while because I'd heard really good things about him. He wasn't a front-line Leinster player with James Ryan in the way really.
I was at the Leinster vs Leicester game back in January at Welford Road and I was actually standing by the pitch watching them do the warm-ups and I was stood in the terrace where they come out.
I looked at McCarthy and I thought, 'F*** me look at the size of him.' When you see people on TV and then you see them in the flesh and do what they do on a regular basis, it is seriously impressive.
His battle with Maro Itoje, who is getting back to his best slowly but surely, will be massive. Maro was a nuisance the last time we beat Ireland in 2020, he was pinning players down, getting under the skin and being abrasive. That's how we used to beat Ireland, but now they are using that against us.
*Joe McCarthy is 4/1 to score a try anytime against England and 25/1 to score the first try in the game per the latest rugby betting odds at BoyleSports.
I've been immensely impressed with McCarthy and his balance with Tadgh Berne in the second row. They are a really intelligent pairing, with big power and subtle touches as well in there.
Joe McCarthy has gone in and added power to a side that is already on fire. I don't think anything fazes this Ireland team and they are such a well-oiled machine they will expect to win, but be willing to perform.
*Prices subject to fluctuation.
Remember, always gamble responsibly . Here’s our Safer Gambling Guide .
