When you get a bit older, Jack Conan reflected, at the start of the Six Nations, you realise that probably most of your good days are behind you. I just want to make the most of every chance I get, and I feel like I did that.
The 32-year-old certainly did make the most of his chance, against England, and did likewise when he faced Scotland, on Sunday. Conan had a five-minute spurt in the first half, against she Scotl, when Ireland had two forwards back in the bowels of Murrayfield undergoing concussion checks.
It was Conan’s second half appearance, replacing Peter O’Mahony after 51 minutes, that grabbed the attention. He came up with a vital turnover and may have only registered six tackles and three carries, but one of those was the bonus-point try. He was a magnet for restarts and did all that was asked on him. It was enough for one English rugby correspondent to name Conan in his Six Nations Team of the Week.
Conan is even generating British & Irish Lions chat, from the likes of Sam Warburton and John Barclay, and he could yet make his second tour with them. Back in 2021, he was a surprise inclusion to Warren Gatland’s squad to tour South Africa, and ended up starting all three Test matches in the No.8 jersey.
Right now, Jack Conan is Ireland’s biggest problem, and it perfectly captures how good the reigning champions have it. Sam Prendergast has edged back ahead of Jack Crowley in the outhalf stakes, we have three quality centres for two starting roles and Rónan Kelleher and Dan Sheehan are sharing hooker responsibilities, and minutes, well.
The biggest issue for Simon Easterby and his coaches centres around rewarding Conan’s form with starts. The Dubliner has stated he would ‘carry water if I could make a difference’ for the team but added that ‘you always want to be starting’.
The spot up for grabs in the Ireland back row is blindside. Ryan Baird and Peter O’Mahony both had cracks, yet Conan should be accommodated with a starting jersey for the Wales game. Caelan Doris is one of the world’s best at No.8, so it may be that his Leinster teammate gets the 6 jersey.
