James Lowe's recall to the Ireland squad has set up an intriguing selection conundrum for head coach Andy Farrell.
The Leinster wing has recovered from a hamstring injury that forced him out of contention for the Guinness Six Nations win over Wales and defeat to France.
The 29-year-old New Zealand-born back sparkled on his comeback as a replacement, scoring a long-range effort for the URC champions in their 29-7 win over Ospreys on Saturday.
James Lowe's brilliant try was one of the highlights for @LeinsterRugby as they saw off Ospreys 29-7 at the RDS earlier #rterugby #LEIvOSP #URC pic.twitter.com/EHmW1IQ2zn
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) February 19, 2022
The man in possession of the green jersey is Connacht's 23-year-old wing Mack Hansen, the Irish-qualified Canberra native, who marked his international debut with a man of the match performance against Wales and scored a superb try in Paris on his second cap.
"Mack Hansen was a serious threat against us when we played Connacht first time around so everyone in the Leinster squad rates and respects him for sure," said Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster ahead of their match against Emirates Lions on Friday at the RDS (7.35pm).
"There is nothing he’s done that has let Ireland down in any way, shape or form.
"So it’s a tricky one, there’s Robert Baloucoune up at Ulster, who’s been excellent, Jordan Larmour is sat there as well on the fringes.
"Andrew Conway’s playing really well as well so it’s becoming a real position of strength now, Jimmy [O’Brien] is in there.
"It’s a tricky selection decision but a good one for Ireland, for Andy in particular, because Lowey brings something that other players don’t have.
OH MY WORD! WHAT A CATCH FROM MACK HANSEN!#FRAvIRE #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/mRc6KOkDgZ
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 12, 2022
"Obviously, he’s got a tremendous left boot but he’s got an ability to break tackles and create opportunities where others perhaps can’t.
"He’s got that physicality so you can use him as a ball-carrying threat on your starter plays.
"He brings an infectious energy to the team and he’s just got an 'x factor’ that’s very hard to coach."
Lowe made his Ireland debut against Wales in the Autumn Nations Cup in 2020 and has won eight caps to date, including one in last November’s win against New Zealand.
After questions arose about his defence in the 2021 Six Nations, the last international window saw him step up a level and he was a probable lock-in to start in the Six Nations had injury not prevented his inclusion.
Lancaster added: "If he doesn’t get his opportunity this week it would be perfectly understandable for sure, but to have him back in camp, he’ll be trying to put a marker down, they’ll have another fallow week, training week and all roads will lead to Twickenham [to face England on 12 March].
"That will be a fascinating selection when that comes around."
Meanwhile, former Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan reckons the game against Italy provides room for manoeuvre for Farrell.
"Bigger picture, I think it’s possible James Lowe could come on but given that it’s Italy, it’s the middle game, Andy Farrell might be looking at that change among others just to freshen it up and give guys a look-in," he told RTÉ’s Drivetime.
"Baloucoune might come into the frame, Joey Carbery [at out-half] is someone he has to look at.
"He can make those changes at the moment and Ireland don’t suffer in any way. The quality of player he can bring in doesn’t distract from the strength of the team.
"On that basis, he certainly could drop James Lowe in but it wouldn’t be a bad reflection on Mack Hansen.
"He’s trying to build his stocks now and presuming we beat Italy, and we should, there are two big games that will determine the championship and I can see him moving the pieces around.
"To keep it fresh but also to get information on the guys, things that can make a difference for him."
Follow Ireland v Italy (Sunday, 3pm) via our live blog on rte.ie/sport and on the RTÉ News App or listen to live radio coverage on RTÉ Radio 1. Highlights on Against the Head, Mondays, 8pm.
