Ronan O'Gara believes this summer's test series against New Zealand is the time to test and bed in more fly-halves ahead of the World Cup.
Despite having Jonathan Sexton at the helm fly-half has been a problem position for Ireland for some time now. Sexton is now in the twilight of his career and although he is performing at an elite level, his availability hasn't always been perfect. Little niggly injuries has ruled him out of matches lately like against France so it' crucial that Ireland have the players to cover.
Ronan O'Gara on Ireland Out-half options
Ronan O'Gara gave his opinion on Ireland's fly-half options and what he'd do going into this summer's test series in New Zealand during the launch of the Aviva Mini Rugby Festival.
I think you bring Johnny Sexton, I think you bring three other out-halves potentially to see who's going to take up that mantle because I think a lot of people are missing the point. Irrespective of Johnny Sexton with his age profile, if he plays 50 minutes on a Saturday, Saturday and Saturday it's a phenomenal achievement. But you need another guy, it's a 23 man game nowadays
Aviva Mini Rugby Festivals Launch 23/3/2022 Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
The most reliable option Andy Farrell has had is Joey Carbery. The Munster out-half has performed and impressed in spells when in the Ireland jersey but he too has struggled with injuries, missing a lot of valuable gametime and chances to develop.
Usually with your impact subs you want them to add something to the game and make a difference. I think with what we have, Joey Carbery is a classy player, has all the attributes but he just needs minutes. He needs minutes for Munster, he needs minutes for Ireland and no better place than New Zealand to try grow him as a player that can start test matches for Ireland
I think what will come out of the summer tour is that you'd like to know who's mentally capable of handling and away game in New Zealand and that's difficult. I presume Joey Carbery (will go), Ross Byrne seems to play well consistently for Leinster and you do get better with age in that position, his brother is good and Jack Carty had an opportunity but it hasn't shut the door on other contenders.
There's certainly a lot of options to go for but whether any of them are ready is another thing. This summer Ireland have their best chance ever of beating New Zealand in a test series and the play of the out-halves behind Johnny Sexton could be the deciding factor.
Pictured is Legendary Irish & Munster Rugby player and current La Rochelle Head Coach Ronan O’Gara, accompanied by Monkstown Mini Rugby players Isabelle Ferris, James Ferris, Jack Ferris, Sam Sorohan, Freddie Morrissey and Georgia Morrisey, at the launch of this year’s Aviva Mini Rugby Festivals in Aviva Stadium. Six camps, with over 2,000 participants, are set to take place across the country. Four provincial festivals will take place in April, before the National Festival takes places at Aviva Stadium, the Home of Irish Rugby, in May. To learn more about Aviva Mini Rugby Festivals, please visit https://www.aviva.ie/sponsorship/irfu/minirugby/, keep an eye out on Irish Rugby social media channels in the coming weeks, or for more information, follow Aviva Ireland across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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