Matt Williams has expressed serious doubts over out-half Jack Crowley's place in the Ireland squad.
It comes after Crowley came on during Ireland's 36-14 win over Scotland last night 45 minutes into the crunch tie, replacing captain Johnny Sexton.
Crowley failed to score when he came onto the pitch, missing a conversion attempt that followed Gary Ringrose's try but was instrumental in the build-up to that providing a stunning crossfield kick which allowed Ringrose to score.
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🔥 This was spot on from Jack Crowley! #IREvSCO #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/Z44JLvvaBf
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) October 8, 2023
Williams was critical of a loose chip from the 23-year-old during last night's cameo which he believes were it to be replicated against New Zealand next week that they would score of it.
Speaking on Virgin Media after the game the former Leinster, Scotland and Ulster coach outlined his concerns.
Matt Williams concerned about Jack Crowley
"I think he is the future and he's going to have the 10 jersey long term," Williams said.
"I am very concerned about him however coming on in the last ten minutes of a big game. I don't think he's got the miles under his belt just yet.
"That doesn't mean I don't think he's a good player and can't get there.
"I get why Andy is picking him but he's got to make the good decisions. He's got to be more in control than he has been."
Williams believes that Andy Farrell should pick Ross Byrne over the young Munster man to make the bench next weekend in what could be a nailbiting clash with the All Blacks, however fellow Virgin pundit Shane Horgan disagreed.
"I think he's got the bottle to actually deliver under those circumstances," Horgan said.
"I don't know whether he is going to be Ireland's 10 for years but he has that quality about him that means I don't think he would wilt under the pressure."
Farrell will be left with that decision during the week, as he also awaits injury news on Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe.
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