Joe McCarthy’s selection, though bold, was recognition that the 22-year-old was the form lock in the country this season, by a distance. He understands that an infusion of new blood - particularly characters like McCarthy and Crowley - can also have an infectious effect on older teammates. Cue a stale and muddled French display, whereas Ireland looked energised, smarter and better coached. Nor does this even completely relay the true story, for the quality of Ireland’s ball was also markedly superior. France shortly scored after Crowley had found touch ten metres from the French line before the penalty was reversed.

Source: The Irish Times February 06, 2024 00:37 UTC