Former Ireland U20 pair Craig Casey and Ryan Baird made their debuts for the senior Irish side in a convincing 48-10 win over Six Nations side Italy yesterday. The pair became the 12th and 13th new caps of the new Andy Farrell era.
Casey, a scrum-half by trade, came off the bench with 20 minutes to give the Irish more zip in their play and nearly set up a try for James Lowe, but the pass was deemed to be forward by the official.
Casey from Limerick is highly rated by Munster fans and has received plaudits from Andy Farrell, Sexton and Gibson-Park after the game. Sexton compared him to ex-England World Cup-winning captain Jonny Wilkinson.
“Like, Craig Casey, I didn’t know him that well obviously – I had never played with him – but his attitude is… I don’t think I have ever come across anyone”.
“it kind of reminds me of what I read about Jonny Wilkinson – that is the only person I can relate him to”.
Baird also came off the bench with as Casey and was immediately involved in the action. His huge imposing figure and talent have also been subject to lavish praise in the country. A lot of people believe that Baird and Casey will become mainstays in the Ireland squad shortly.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said:
“I just said to them there, the two guys, I was waiting for their nerves to kick in all week,” said Farrell. “They were nerveless, and it was an absolute credit to them and their families.
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