COMING TO THE BOYLE
Buzz builds out west as rising star gets more like O’Mahony with every game
ON a mixed bag Pro14 weekend for the provinces, there were a couple of individuals who thrust themselves forward. One was Ulster scrum-half John Cooney, who continued his ‘Roy of the Rovers’ impersonation by inspiring a remarkable second-half fightback win against Edinburgh on Friday night.
On the back of his match-winning contribution to the opening victory over Scarlets, Cooney is not only fuelling Ulster’s efforts, under new boss Dan McFarland, to banish the memories of last season’s turmoil, he is also providing an irresistible claim to a central Ireland role — particularly timely given the injury doubts surrounding Conor Murray.
And then there was Paul Boyle’s two-try, Man of the Match performance in Connacht’s victory over Zebre.
Last week, we noted the similarities between the young back-row and Peter O’Mahony, both in physical make-up and style of play, and those likenesses were even more pronounced at the Sportsground on Saturday.
The two tries were well taken — showcasing excellent timing, clever depth and power on the carry — but there was also a definite O’Mahony-esque quality to Boyle’s athletic lineout performance, his scrapping for possession on the ground and capacity to make the right decision at the right time — notably when executing a superb, instinctive dummy before putting Niyi Adeolokun over in the corner.
A year out from the World Cup, there is little opportunity for ‘bolters’ as Joe Schmidt focuses on players who have proven they can cope at the top level and the Ireland coach has no shortage of those in the back row.
However, with Tests against Italy and the US in November, scope for measured tweaking during the Six Nations and four World warm-up games next year to iron out any remaining selection issues, there are chances for a player like Boyle to get up to speed if his form demands inclusion.
And, at the moment, it very much does, with new Connacht boss Andy Friend harbouring no doubts that the Gorey man can thrive at international level also.
‘The sky’s the limit for that one,’ said the Australian, highlighting the youngster’s air of authority — another direct line to O’Mahony.
‘He’s captained his country, the Under 20s, he’s got leadership qualities but what I love about him is that in a meeting, he’s prepared to talk up. He’s prepared to challenge and ask questions,’ added Friend.
Like O’Mahony, there is also an edge to Boyle’s play, an aggressive aspect manifesting itself on Saturday in his willingness to stand up to Zebre’s muscular forwards when tensions boiled over on a typically wet day in Galway.
The Italians, under former Connacht coach Michael Bradley, are no mugs these days and the 32-13 victory broke a cycle of three Connacht defeats in this fixture.
Following the narrow opening loss at home to an internationalladen Glasgow, there is evidence of tangible early progress under Friend following last season’s decline under ill-suited Kiwi coach Kieran Keane.
Friday’s assignment in Edinburgh will provide a sterner test of Connacht’s credentials but with Boyle on fire, fellow backrow and captain Jarrad Butler proving hugely influential and Wallaby Kyle Godwin bedding in nicely at midfield, there is a buzz around the Sportsground again.
There will be a different type of buzz around Leinster this week as they reflect on their failure to see off the Scarlets on Saturday evening.
A 23-21 defeat and losing bonus point against a quality team who have now gone 22 league matches unbeaten at home is not the worst result but Leo Cullen and senior coach Stuart Lancaster will be
probably his most effective outing in blue.
However, there were some needless turnovers and penalties conceded that will pepper the review, while aspects of Leinster’s defence also let them down at various points.
That was highlighted by Cullen afterwards, who hinted that there will be more big names filtering back into his team.
‘We will have a couple more players coming back into the mix this week, and a couple of guys coming back from injury post that. We have a competitive group, some guys put their hands up and did well, other guys had a bit more of a challenge. We’re trying a number of different combinations,’ said Cullen.
So, no panic then, nor should there be at this stage of the season and, with Bernard Jackman’s Dragons (unconvincing winners over the Southern Kings) coming to the RDS this weekend, it is safe to expect a convincing backlash.
Which is precisely what Munster require at home to Ospreys after their comprehensive 25-10 loss in Glasgow.
The Welsh outfit are two wins from two after stuffing the Cheetahs at home last Saturday and have a seam of Welsh international quality — spearheaded by George North on the wing, Alun-Wyn Jones in the second row and flanker Justin Tipuric, in the form of his career.
With Munster trying to weld their eclectic squad — featuring 20 players from outside the province — into a cohesive force, head coach Johann Van Graan will be keen to bring back some frontliners for a difficult assignment.
New signings, Tadhg Beirne and Joey Carbery will be expected to start at second row and out-half respectively — both playing their part in a much-improved secondhalf display in Glasgow (with Beirne on the flank).
However, the defensive vulnerabilities and lack of cutting edge will be a major concern for Munster and, even though it is still very early in the season, a big statement is called for.
Meanwhile, Ulster, the only province to win both games so far, can add to that momentum on their tour to South Africa.
They face the Kings first up next Sunday, before taking on the Cheetahs five days later, and with McFarland putting a huge emphasis on establishing a positive culture, this expedition is an ideal bonding opportunity.
With the World Cup providing the instructive backdrop, another intriguing week beckons — not least for John Cooney and Paul Boyle.