A DATE WITH Italy might not set pulses racing in the same manner as the other fixtures on Ireland’s Six Nations schedule, but this year, of all years, the clash with the Azzurri should prove a particularly valuable one for Andy Farrell.
For Byrne, it’s another chance to further his case as second in line for the Ireland 10 shirt. Jack Crowley, who starts on the bench, and Joey Carbery, who has travelled to Italy with the squad, will both hope to have something to say about that in the months ahead.At scrum-half, Casey’s inclusion is just as intriguing. The 23-year-old made his Ireland debut in Rome two years ago but has had to bide his time.
Casey and Byrne have combined well when summoned from the bench across the opening two fixtures, but leading a team and controlling proceedings from the first whistle presents a different type of challenge. “You’re talking about all those individuals and the flair etc that they’ve got, but that’s all because of the systems that Kieran’s put in there.