WINGING it!
With Mack Hansen out of the Six Nations, Andy Farrell has an abundance of riches as he works out his options on the wing
GRAND Slam champions Ireland go into the 2024 Six Nations Championship with an abundance of confidence but something of a score to settle after their World Cup dream ended abruptly and prematurely.
A heartbreaking defeat by New Zealand in Paris remains the overriding memory of a 2023 campaign in which Ireland hit stunning heights, casting England aside en route to a perfect Six Nations campaign last spring.
It is a new era of sorts, marked by the beginning of a new World Cup cycle and the glaring absence of former commander-in-chief Johnny Sexton.
Almost as damaging is the impending absence of Mack Hansen. The wing — who was nominated for Player of the Tournament 12 months ago — has been a major hit since the 2022 campaign.
Losing Hansen to injury is a huge blow to Ireland’s title chances and the Ireland coaching ticket must identify a suitable alternative as Leinster’s Jimmy O’Brien is also set for a long spell on the sidelines.
Here, Mail Sport runs the rules over five candidates who could replace the prolific Connacht wing.
JORDAN LARMOUR
Undoubtedly the most exciting back-line prospect when Farrell succeeded Joe Schmidt, few could have guessed he would have been so far away four years on.
Nobody in the country is as exciting with ball in hand but his defensive frailties, coupled with the emergence of talents like Hugo Keenan, James Lowe and Hansen, have stunted his prospects.
The electric wing missed out on selection for the World Cup and will be eager to kickstart his renaissance in an Irish shirt after a strong set of performances for Leinster.
He is adept on the right flank and while there is little doubting his offensive talent, Farrell may still have questions marks over his defensive acumen, particularly in the air.
ROB BALOUCOUNE
Given a handful of opportunities, Baloucoune — like Larmour — is an electric performer with raw pace in the wide channels.
He offers more defensive assurance out wide than the previous candidate on this list, although his stock appears to have waned in the last 12 months.
He was given consecutive starts in the November Tests in 2022 — including a start against South Africa — in an apparent effort to groom him for the World Cup, but he was then dropped for the meeting with Australia after a brace of quiet displays.
He is unquestionably talented but his eagerness to stay wide might go against him. Farrell likes his wings to get more involved and impose themselves around the pitch.
CALVIN NASH
Nash has just one senior appearance — the pre-World Cup clash with Italy — to his name but he appears to be the most like-for-like alternative for Hansen.
Last season marked a turning point for the former Ireland U20s captain, beginning with an impressive Emerging Ireland Tour before spearheading Munster’s attack en route to URC trophy glory.
Similar to Larmour in terms of his blend of fine footwork and evasive pace, Nash belatedly appears ready for the next step in his career after being underutilised when Johann van Graan was in charge at Thomond Park.
There are suggestions Farrell may be somewhat dissuaded by his lack of Test rugby minutes, but it was the same coach who took a brave punt on the now absent Hansen. History could repeat itself to fine effect.
JACOB STOCKDALE
Like Larmour, Stockdale was seen as an incredibly exciting backline talent who could do damage in years to come, but his stock has fallen significantly from the highs he enjoyed on Schmidt’s watch.
Defensive frailties have marred the Ulster man, who was — surprisingly for some — included in the pre-World Cup training squad, although he failed to make the most of the opportunity.
He went almost two years without a try in Ulster colours prior to this season, so his dip in form was not just in the high-stakes pressure of the international shirt.
He has rarely togged out in the number 14 shirt either, another factor which could go against him even if he has been more steady in general this season.
SHANE DALY
Somewhat the antithesis to Stockdale, Munster’s Daly is the embodiment of solid even if he does not employ the game-breaking attributes of the other men on this list.
He also has versatility and can play anywhere across the back three — something which has been a real asset for Munster in recent seasons.
Farrell is aware of what he can bring, first giving him minutes in the Autumn Nations Cup during the lockdown in late 2020.
While he lacks the X-factor he makes up for with his grasp of the basics. Even if a matchday place is imminently beyond reach, he could make the wider selection as an auxiliary option.