Rugby pundit Matt Williams has claimed that Jack Crowley will need to improve his percentage of successful kicks if he wants to remain as Ireland's starting 10.
Crowley has taken over from the retired Johnny Sexton and has impressed a number of people with his displays. However, his performances have not been perfect.
The Munster star started slowly but grew into the 17-38 win over France in Marseille in the opening game. A blocked-down kick, a mis-hit crosskick, and an overhit grubber were instances of the imperfect performance. However, he did have a hand in Tadhg Beirne's try.
Crowley also had a mixed bag in the 36-0 win over Italy in Dublin last weekend. A number of inaccurate kicks from the tee meant that he missed three out of five kicks in the game.
Williams, who was doing punditry work for Virgin Media, claimed that Crowley will need to improve on his missed kicks if he wants to fend off the other Irish fly-halves contending for the 10 jersey. The rugby pundit believes that Ireland's tour of South Africa this summer will be won by the world champions if Crowley doesn't land 85% of his kicks in games.
"He kicked really well in Marseille, was poor today, and in general, he plays his depth when he kicks; that's why he's getting charged down," Williams said.
"And I've just got to say... in both those games, his poor kicks, he didn't need to make them. He's just got to take those out. But from the tee, as an international ten, you can't have a day like that.
"You do not win competitions unless you kick at 85%. Full stop, end of story—that's all she wrote.
𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐇𝐀𝐍! ☘️
Magic from Ireland! Magic from Jack Crowley!
☘️ 12-0 🇮🇹#IREvITA | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/fYvLYq8L1X— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 11, 2024
"So you have to be kicking at 85% to win. You will not beat South Africa, you will not beat New Zealand, and you will not win the big ones without 85%. So you go with that."
Sexton is regarded as one of Ireland's best-ever fly-halves and it would take a super talent to surpass his stature, leadership, and experience. Despite his mixed start in the Six Nations, there is a desire to be patient with Crowley, according to his Irish teammates. Although Crowley hasn't got the same presence as Sexton just yet, he will grow and learn, claims his Ireland teammate James Lowe.
“There’s a lot of pressure on him; there’s been some world-class 10s come before him, so he’s taken it in stride, bossing around from week to week,” Lowe said.
“He hasn’t quite got that Sexto aura about him; he hasn’t got the staredown packed yet, but he’s awesome and growing into it.
“He showed a bit of his game, slotting into 15 as well, so fair play to him. He’s a young man with a good head on his shoulders, and I think he could go far in this game.”
Ireland's next game will be against Wales on February 24th.
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