Former Ireland forward ‘worried’ for Six Nations after talent drain

Ex-Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman is concerned about the strength of the Ireland squad ahead of the 2024 Six Nations Championship.

Andy Farrell’s men utterly dominated the 2023 tournament, claiming the Grand Slam with a series of impressive victories.

France and England got the closest but both were dispatched by 13-point margins as Ireland romped to the title.

Retirement and injuries

However, Jackman feels that this year could be different, with Johnny Sexton retiring and key injuries hitting them hard ahead of the Six Nations.

It leaves Farrell with a number of issues to address looking towards the upcoming championship and the former Ireland front-rower wonders whether they can find their top form in 2024.

“Is it just me or is it a little bit worrying our squad?” Jackman said on the RTÉ Rugby podcast. “When I look at what France are going to be able to put in…

“When I look at Peter (O’Mahony) being injured, Conor (Murray) hasn’t played a huge amount. (Andrew) Porter has played a lot, but Tadhg (Furlong) hasn’t played much, Mack’s (Hansen) injury, Jimmy’s (O’Brien) injury, James Lowe having not played, obviously replacing Johnny (Sexton)…

“I’m a little bit worried going into this. But we will have good consistency, we’ve got good coaches. I’m looking forward to seeing the squad and seeing what talent Farrell has seen that has caught his eye and will be part of this rebuild.”

Jackman has also questioned the talent coming through. There are obviously several excellent youngsters who will become Test players eventually, especially from the impressive recent crop of U20 sides, but few that he feels are really pushing their case this season.

No real standouts

“Usually there’s a big push for someone who’s come from outside the squad where his form warrants hype or expectation or inclusion. I’m struggling to think of (an example),” Jackman said.

“Who has put their hand up?

“Joe McCarthy is probably the one. And Tom Ahern. They’re the two fellas. I expect them to be in (the squad).

“But will Tom Ahern start ahead of (Caelan) Doris, O’Mahony – if he’s fit – Josh van der Flier or (Jack) Conan? I’m not sure he will straight away.

“Will Joe McCarthy start ahead of (Iain) Henderson or (James) Ryan? I think he’ll be in the 23 anyway.

“Bar him and Tom Ahern, there hasn’t been anybody that has really blown me away. Jack Crowley has been very steady and he’s proven that he’s the guy who’ll start at 10.”

“Maybe I’m being harsh. But I’ve been at a lot of games. I just haven’t hopped in my car and gone up the road thinking ‘wow, I can’t wait to see him in green in the Six Nations.'”

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