Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
OUR LITTLE BIG THREAT
Farrell backs Lowry to use his small stature to huge effect as Ulsterman earns debut
BY MICHAEL SCULLY
SIZE is everything when it comes to Michael Lowry, says Andy Farrell.
The 23-year-old makes his Ireland debut tomorrow and is one of six changes against Italy from the side that lost to France a fortnight ago.
The 5ft 7ins Ulsterman replaces full-back Hugo Keenan, whose 18-game Ireland run ends but Farrell reckons the pocket rocket’s size can be much more of an advantage than a disadvantage at Test level.
“It’s never been a problem,” said the Ireland boss. “It’s actually a nightmare for somebody like me if I was playing against him.
“I think his size is an added bonus for him. I think it makes him an absolute nightmare for people to handle.
“Since his first day at Ulster he hasn’t grown but he’s certainly got braver, more dynamic, developed more game awareness, more game sense.
“He’s able to play the game in many different ways. He’s explosive, hits a line, is brave so we’re hoping he can be himself.”
Lowry is part of a potentially thrilling new back three with Mack Hansen, who makes his third Test start, switching to the right wing to accommodate the return of James Lowe from injury.
“We’re a lot more exciting than Hugo Keenan anyway,” joked Lowe. “Nah, he’s a very good friend of mine and he’s a freak with ball in hand.”
Lowe, one of the stars of the November series clean sweep, has been impressed with how Lowry has taken to the set-up.
He quipped: “Lowry, the small guy, 76kgs dripping wet – his size isn’t in any way a deterrent. He’s physical enough for a small frame, has a skillset and takes good positions on the pitch. His kicking game, running game, catch-pass, I can’t fault him.
“I’ve only met him this week but the way he holds himself, the questions he asks, it’s impressive. Fortunately I haven’t had to defend against him.
“He creates something out of nothing and he’s been doing it at training, making space fortunately for me, poking his head through holes.”
Farrell has found a way to start both Lowe and Hansen on the flanks, which is a mouth-watering prospect for Ireland fans.
“Mack has been X factor since he arrived, hasn’t he?” said Lowe.
“No one would question his ability to finish. That try in the French game, people might have thought that was a bit of luck but you create your own luck.
“He was in the right place at the right time and scored a fantastic first international try of his career.
“We’ve talked things through, we’ve ironed things out and are looking forward to the challenge.”