Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
JACK BE NIMBLE..
Conan quick to realise he has to add more strings to bow to win Irish spot
THE challenge to become the world’s best team was set during the Grand Slam winning Six Nations campaign last spring, Jack Conan revealed yesterday.
For that to happen it meant that “the bibs” – players not selected for the next game – would have to step up to a new level to push on the starters.
It’s a plan of action that is clearly working after Ireland nudged ever closer to New Zealand at the top of the rankings by beating them last Saturday.
Conan, a double winner with Leinster last term, was frustrated not to be involved in the 16-9 success.
But he explained how vital it was for those not named in the matchday squad to play their part.
“You have to put your ego to one side and want the team to do well rather than your individual self,” the Leinster No.8 said.
“You take it on the chin, it’s disappointing not to be involved but you have to add to the lads around you.
“We spoke early in the year, during the Six Nations, about how we could be the best team in the world.
“One of the challenges laid down was that even the lads that weren’t involved – the bibs, as we call them, the non-xv – that we were bringing another level, another intensity.
“They’re constantly testing the lads getting the chance, instead of having 15 or 20 lads p ***** off that they aren’t playing.
“They’re adding to it, bringing a new intensity, bringing line-speed in defence, they’re on the ball when it comes to attack, are sharp and all the drills are spot on.
“So the starting team need to be better and better collectively as the campaign grows.
“That’s the sign of a good team, that even when you’re frustrated you still work hard for each other to push the lads around you to be better.”
For those not involved in the latest history-making feats, opportunity may come knocking against the USA Eagles.
There were more than 40 players in camp this month and Ireland assistant coach Richie Murphy admitted several fringe men deserve a chance having prepared the frontliners for the threats posed by Argentina and the All Blacks.
Conan last played against Italy in Chicago, just his 10th cap since debuting against Scotland over three years ago.
Unfortunately for him, CJ Stander has been outstanding in a role that Jamie Heaslip previously owned.
Murphy said: “In this place you don’t get anything unless you’ve worked really hard and proved that you deserve your opportunity.
“It’s hard to say exactly how that’s done but there’s just a time when you know a player is ready.
“It’s about guys knowing their role, being able to execute that and bringing us forward rather than stagnating now and being happy with what we have.”
But such was his frustration at missing out last week that Conan asked forwards coach Simon Easterby what more could he do to move up the pecking order.
The 26-year-old was told to add more strings to his bow so now he will focus on being able to do a job at No.6 as well.
Versatility is the key to progressing in this environment.
“I’ll definitely be trying to take a bit of my frustration of not getting the game time I would’ve liked after what I thought was a decent start to the season for myself personally,” he said.
“It’s fuel for the rest of the year as well. Hopefully I’ll get picked for the Six Nations, really put down another marker and build on the few caps I have and gain a bit more experience leading up to what is a massive year.”