CROW’ FLIES
Munster ace Jack’s ready to assume a leading role at long last..
HE was Ireland’s tee-boy in last year’s Six Nations – now Jack Crowley ready to be the Grand Slam champs’ main man.
The rising Munster star’s on-field contribution to that success was three minutes at the end of the Italy match in Rome – his championship debut – while running the tee in the other games.
But Johnny Sexton has retired and Ross Byrne, Sexton’s main back-up in the Six Nations, lost that role to Crowley at the World Cup after the latter drove his province to the URC title.
With Byrne absent through injury, Crowley will be wearing the No.10 shirt in Friday’s Six Nations kick-off in Marseille.
He will do so with Ireland fans wondering if he has the chops to be the long-term heir to heroes like Ronan O’gara and Johnny Sexton.
“You always aspire to be in the starting position,” said the 24-year-old. “You want to be that guy.
“So, that’s there. And given the calibre of those two lads and what they’ve done for their provinces and for Ireland – they’ve obviously served and achieved massively for both – of course that comparison is going to be there, and there’s an expectation.
“But that’s what makes Irish rugby so good, we have that expectation and ambition. I hope that we can fill that.”
Crowley’s study of Sexton over the past 18 months has informed him that preparation and getting his own house in order before games is the key to performing well.
Asked where he differs from Sexton, who had dominated Irish rugby since Brian O’driscoll’s retirement, the Corkman replied: “We can only really judge that on the main stage.
“He’s been there and done it. For me, it’s about going and doing it. When I get the opportunity – or if – then it’s about taking it. And then we can compare. You can critique it and pick it apart and let me know!
“Look, we all believe that we have our own strengths and that’s something that you try to play to without trying to force that.
“It’s important that you do take that responsibility when you get the chance to play.”
Crowley must now step up and lead at Test level.
“It’s got to happen organically,” he reflected. “It’s got to be genuine. Johnny went through the tough patches as well and that’s what made him such a great leader, made him such a great player.
“So for me, it probably took a bit of time to understand but that’s what I need to do, too.
“I need to grow, understand myself and my game and how I can impact this group.
“I don’t think I can just fabricate it. It has to be genuine. So, it’s going out and not thinking about that side of it.
“The lads will benefit more if I’m able to perform my game – and hopefully that has a knock-on effect for the team.”