The China Mail - Future looks bright for Ireland and Farrell, says ex-Irish prop Ross

The Irish had their hands -- virtually -- on the Six Nations trophy until Thomas Ramos grabbed it back for France with the very last kick of a thrilling tournament, to secure victory over England on Saturday.

Just as last year, the French were the only side to beat the Irish, a 36-14 hammering in the opening game.

Ireland could console themselves with a fourth Triple Crown in five years, after an impressive 43-21 win over Scotland.

Ross, capped 61 times and a member of two Six Nations title-winning sides, said that the Irish deserved a "B plus" for their campaign.

"Ireland got better and better, it would be quite interesting if they were playing France next week," Ross told AFP by telephone on Sunday.

"Andy Farrell won't be happy coming second but he will look back satisfied with several young players like Darragh Murray making their Six Nations debuts.

"Also he experimented with lots of different combinations."

Farrell used more than 30 players in the tournament, with several such as Stuart McCloskey, Robert Baloucoune and Tommy O'Brien oustanding.

Ross, who won two European Cup trophies with Leinster, said that such building of depth puts Ireland in a good place.

Several key players like fullback Hugo Keenan, wing Mack Hansen and prop Andrew Porter missed the entire campaign and face serious competition to regain their starting roles.

Jamie Osborne, Baloucoune and O'Brien, who replaced the injured James Lowe, sparkled at fullback and on the wings.

Even the old warrior Bundee Aki faces a fight for his starting spot, as arguably Ireland's player of the tournament McCloskey was finally given a proper run in the centres.

"Farrell really has succeeded in developing the depth of the squad, I think more so than there was ahead of the 2023 World Cup," said Ross.

"Take the loosehead prop position. There were a few difficult weeks but now there is a bit more optimism.

"Tom O'Toole, who was the fifth choice, was amazing against Wales and Scotland.

"Jeremy Loughman also played well before he was injured, so they both gave an idea of what life without Porter looked like."

- 'Strong as hell' -

As for McCloskey, who has 28 caps, finally making his mark at 33, Ross said he was unfortunate to have been around at the same time as Aki and Robbie Henshaw.

"Most of my caps came when I was in my 30s," added Ross.

Age, though, could be a factor for several of the Irish stars when it comes to the World Cup.

Tadhg Beirne, Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan will all be in their mid 30s when it kicks-off in Australia on October 1 next year.

"Time does catch up with you," said Ross, who played his last Test in 2016 aged 36.

"The power is the first thing to go. You can be strong as hell but not moving quite as quickly."

Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park is another who will be in his mid 30s.

However, 'le petit general', as Ross likes to call him, formed an effective half-back partnership with fly-half Jack Crowley in the final three matches of the tournament.

Crowley had begun the Six Nations behind Sam Prendergast, who at 23 is three years younger than him but was underwhelming against France and Italy.

"He (Crowley) has taken the jersey," said Ross.

"I think he and 'le petit general' are building something together.

"I would fancy Sam to come back into the frame, after rebuilding his confidence at Leinster.

"Ireland are very lucky to have two talented young out-halves."

Globally speaking, Ross believes it is a pretty rosy picture.

"We are in a good place," he said. "I am cautiously optimistic."

pi/bc

G.Fung--ThChM