MUNSTER AND IRELAND SCRUM HALF CRAIG CASEY HAS ADMITTED THAT he nearly missed his first Six Nations start of the year against Italy last weekend.
The 23-year-old was one of a seven changes made by Andy Farrell for the 3rd game of the Six Nations.
Ireland's half backs Conor Murray and fit-again Jamison Gibson-Park were left on the bench by Farrell meaning Casey got the nod at scrum half in Rome.
Ireland went onto win the game 20-34, with tries from James Ryan, Hugo Keenan, Bundee Aki and a brace from Mack Hansen.
Casey, who made his 10th start against Italy was taken off for Conor Murray late in the second half.
Speaking after the win, Casey admitted that he nearly failed to make the squad due to a back problem. He managed to overcome the problem before kick-off.
"We were happy with training, with mending mistakes on Monday to Tuesday to Wednesday," said the Munster half back.
"I was struggling a bit with my back all week, but I was delighted to pull through in the end.
🗣️ 'To have about 15 family members over here was great!'
Craig Casey reacted to a 'very tough test match' in his first start in the #GuinnessSixNations against Italy | ☘️
🎙️ @ashoreilly@VodafoneIreland | #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/VZn05A4fwk— Off The Ball (@offtheball) February 25, 2023
"It was a bit of a flare up to a disk. The physios did a lot of work on me."
"I only really found out I was starting for sure on Wednesday, but to get that session under the belt as a starter and give confidence to the lads, I think it went well."
"It would have been a blow if he had to sit this one out."
Casey now wants to cement his place in the Ireland squad ahead of the likes of Murray and Jamison Gibson-Park ahead of the World Cup in France.
"Playing games definitely makes things a lot easier. Playing on match day, it's a completely different buzz.
"Obviously Jamison is a class, class player, he's done unbelievably well for us over the last two years.
"But it's a good place to be, you want that competition. I definitely wouldn't want to be strolling into a matchday squad.
"I think the environment means everyone is on their toes and pushing, so hopefully I can push the two lads."
Ireland's next game will be against Scotland in Edinburgh on March 12.
See More: Craig Casey, Ireland, Italy, Six Nations
