Joey Carbery puts himself in position to end odd Six Nations streak

"People were like, 'Oh, he's not up for it'."

Joey Carbery kicked 18 points for Ireland, in their win over Argentina, looked excellent at outhalf for 50 minutes and did a fine job at fullback for the final 30 minutes. Greg O'Shea was not the only one singing his praises. Following the 53-7 victory, Peter O'Mahony paid tribute to Carbery for battling back from persistent ankle and wrist injuries, Donal Lenihan awarded him Man of the Match [for RTÉ] while Andy Farrell was pleased as punch. The Ireland coach said: "He was good. His place-kicking was exceptional and that keeps the scoreboard ticking over. For him to be in charge for the full week with Johnny not being there was a great experience for Joey and he will learn more from that game." Carbery made his Ireland debut in the Soldier Field win over New Zealand, in 2016, and has now made 27 Test appearances, nine of which were starts. He has never started a Six Nations game and, as well as he played this month, Farrell was not etching him into any XVs for next Februay or March. Not yet.

"We'll see," Farrell commented. "I’m sure other lads will have their say as well. I thought Harry Byrne came on and did pretty well and Jack Carty is doing very well. Billy Burns was really disappointed not to be here as well and they will go back to their clubs now."

On the latest House of Rugby URC episode [LISTEN from 2:30 below] former Ireland forward Mike McCarthy joined Greg O'Shea and Megan Williams discussed Carbery's positive impact and what it means, heading into the 2022 Six Nations.