Ireland go into this year's Six Nations campaign with uncertainty around a number of positions through a combination of injuries and poor form, but few areas of the team look as thin as in the second row. With Paul O'Connell retired and Iain Henderson out with a significant hamstring tear, Devin Toner and Mike McCarthy will start against Wales tomorrow with Donnacha Ryan on the bench.
After missing out on World Cup selection last autumn, few would have thought the 34-year-old McCarthy would be able to force his way back into the side. In fairness to the Leinster lock, his form has been strong in the last 18 months but it is worrying that no credible alternative has emerged over the last while.
In that context, the performance of James Ryan in the second row for Ireland U20 last night was perfectly timed. The former St Michael's pupil captained the side and at 6'8 and 108 kg, he is a towering beast of a player.
A lot of fans and pundits were bullish about his ability before last night and although Ireland were defeated at home by Wales, Ryan's all-action performance stood out. Ryan carried powerfully, tackled ferociously and even showed a sleight of hand in the tackle on a few occasions. In other words, the modern second row.
His impressive display didn't go unnoticed either, as Joe Schmidt was an eager spectator in the crowd. It's too soon to start thinking about an Ireland cap for Ryan, but a lot of people were still salivating over his potential last night.
James Ryan has been by far the best Irish player on the pitch tonight, so it's no surprise that Tony Ward gives the nod to someone else.
— Demented Mole (@dementedmole) February 5, 2016
James Ryan absolutely outstanding so far in this game. Hits, carries, clear outs and even a nice offload. #IrelandU20
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) February 5, 2016
James Ryan is fecking everywhere! Tackle count must be enormous already.
— Oval Digest (@OvalDigest) February 5, 2016
Wow. James Ryan looks like a player. Three big carries in this one move.
— Oval Digest (@OvalDigest) February 5, 2016
James Ryan is a force
— Irish Underage Rugby (@IrishRugbyUA) February 5, 2016
He is someone that we put into our Ireland squad for the World Cup in 2019, and by last night's showing he is on the right path.
Ryan made his Leinster A debut in the British and Irish cup recently and it will be interesting to see whether he gets any senior game time off the bench this season. He is only 19 but Leinster's second row stock is almost as low as Ireland's so it's conceivable that Ryan might get an opportunity at some stage.
Regardless, a 6'8 and 108kg teenager with power, pace and handling skills? A welcome addition to Irish professional rugby over the coming years.
