Craig Casey breaks silence on Ireland's contentious 10 jersey debate

Captain Craig Casey expects the ongoing battle for Ireland’s number 10 jersey to continue for the next decade as he prepares to partner Munster team-mate Jack Crowley against Portugal.

Crowley was in pole position to become Johnny Sexton’s long-term successor at fly-half following the 2023 World Cup before slipping behind Leinster playmaker Sam Prendergast in the pecking order last autumn.

The 25-year-old has reclaimed the starting role for Saturday evening’s match in Lisbon, with 22-year-old Prendergast given the weekend off after converting all six of his kicks off the tee in the 34-5 win over Georgia last time out.

Ciaran Frawley, who landed two late drop goals to earn a series draw in South Africa last summer, will provide back up from the bench.

“It’s awesome to have three 10s of the calibre that are in the squad at the minute,” Casey told reporters.

Team Form

Last 5 Games

0 - 73

13 - 24

14 - 32

17 - 32

61 - 7

31 - 17

23 - 18

33 - 8

20 - 13

18 - 15

5

Wins

2

5

Streak

1

21

Tries Scored

9

171

Points Difference

-38

3/5

First Try

1/5

3/5

First Points

2/5

3/5

Race To 10 Points

3/5

“You can’t really forget about Ciaran Frawley and what he did last summer is unbelievable for us.

“The battle there is huge and it probably will be for the next 10 or so years. It’s probably something they’re going to have to get used to and everyone’s going to have to get used to. I think it’s brilliant for Ireland.”

Scrum-half Casey, who missed this year’s Six Nations through injury, and Crowley will start a Test match together for just the fourth time.

Interim head coach Paul O’Connell has made six changes in total, including handing debuts to Shayne Bolton, Alex Kendellen and Hugh Gavin, for Ireland’s final outing before they face New Zealand on November 1 in Chicago.

Connacht centre Gavin was initially named among the replacements before being elevated to the starting XV after Jamie Osborne became the 17th Ireland player to join permanent head coach Andy Farrell and four members of his coaching staff on the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia.

Fixture

Internationals

Portugal

7 - 106

Full-time

Ireland

All Stats and Data

“It’s a real chance for lads to put their hands up,” said Casey.

“We know those coaches in Australia are looking on and if you can put your hands up for them, you can make a big statement for them coming back in the autumn and that’s where you want to be.

“It’s a huge opportunity but it’s also a huge privilege every chance you get to put on an Irish jersey. We don’t take that for granted at all.”

Casey claimed one of his side’s four tries in rain-soaked Tbilisi.

Following some wet weather in Lisbon on Friday, dry conditions and temperatures of around 23 degrees Celsius are forecast for Ireland’s first Test meeting with Portugal.

“There’s plenty to take forward: the attitude of all the lads last week in tough conditions is one and we’re probably trying to get back to our way now,” said Casey.

“Hopefully it dries up tomorrow so we can play that attacking rugby and show what we’re about.”