Bernard Jackman believes that Rassie Erasmus is probably correct in his assumption that Craig Casey will start against South Africa in Saturday's first Test in Pretoria.
South Africa head coach Erasmus has already named his team for the clash, making four changes from the XV that started against Ireland at the World Cup last year, with Damian Willemse, Steven Kitshoff and Jasper Wiese among those injured and suspended.
Ireland have held fire on announcing their selection, but Erasmus has tried to pre-empt that with some mind games, suggesting that he has an insight into Andy Farrell’s way of thinking.
In the absence of Jamison Gibson-Park, the Springboks coach predicted that "the small one from Munster", Casey, would get the nod at scrum-half this week, ahead of Conor Murray.
Speaking on the RTÉ Rugby podcast, Jackman admitted that Erasmus has probably read Ireland’s intentions correctly at scrum-half, but he believes that starting Casey there is important for the future of the team.
"Traditionally you would say 'start Murray, bring Casey on for tempo’. I think that what we've seen Munster do the reverse, we've seen Conor Murray come on for [Jameson] Gibson Park for Ireland and be very effective," Jackman said.
"I think realistically you have to start Casey here from a depth-building point of view.
"We know it's not going to be an experimental Irish team, I don't think that's Farrell’s fault. I think he's picked the players who've been on form.
"I would say it's really important that Craig Casey starts. One of these two tests should be just for him to get that experience."
Jackman believes that elevating Casey as long-term competition for Gibson-Park is crucial for safe-guarding the future of the squad.
"He is an experienced player already, but just to show that he's comfortable filling in for Gibson-Park and it gives him a chance to mount a challenge to Gibson-Park, that’s what you want.
"I think that Gibson-Park is clearly number one in Ireland at the moment. That's good, but you'd love to have pressure on him. And the only way to really get that is to give players opportunity. So, yeah, I think, I think Rassie is probably right.
"It's a great opportunity for Craig who's had some really good form this year for Munster.
"Craig is so experienced now the inside thing on Craig is that he's just the ultimate pro, all over his game, you know? So why are you holding him back? He needs to have a go at it."
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